Toronto Blue Jays intending to compete in 2018
By David Hill
Despite their lack of moves thus far during the offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays expect to contend in 2018.
The Toronto Blue Jays find themselves in a difficult spot at this point in the offseason. The New York Yankees have gotten dramatically better, having acquired Giancarlo Stanton and getting rid of the baseball player formerly known as Chase Headley. They are in talks with the Pirates to acquire Gerrit Cole, and managed to retain CC Sabathia. The Red Sox are still in on J.D. Martinez, and just came off an American League East title.
Meanwhile, the Rays and Orioles are heading in opposite directions. Tampa Bay sent Evan Longoria to San Francisco, and appear to be embarking on yet another rebuild. Baltimore may trade Manny Machado, and Zach Britton will miss a large chunk of the first half of the season due to his Achilles injury. The Orioles may finally be entering the rebuild they needed to start last year.
Then, lodged firmly in the middle, we find the Blue Jays. Toronto struggled last season, posting a 76-86 record. The Blue Jays struggled to find consistent pitching after J.A. Happ and Marcus Stroman. Justin Smoak and Josh Donaldson were the only starters to post an OPS+ above 100. Given how the Yankees and Red Sox are clearly the class of the division, it would be understandable if the Blue Jays followed the path of the Rays and Orioles, and began to rebuild.
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Donaldson, however, is not expected to be going anywhere, at least before the start of the season. Had he been placed on the block, he would have been the perfect option for a team that was unable to land Machado. Instead, the Blue Jays are looking to stay the course, although they currently find themselves firmly in the middle of the AL East.
Of course, if the Blue Jays get a few improvements next season, that may be enough. Troy Tulowitzki may never be the player he was in Colorado, but if he can stay healthy, he should improve over 2017. Aaron Sanchez struggled last season through his injuries, but should be healthy. Kevin Pillar has shown flashes of being a solid offensive player – is this the year he puts this all together? Can Toronto finally find a viable second baseman? Will Antonio Osuna be able to overcome his battles with anxiety? Has the league caught up to Marco Estrada?
If so, the Blue Jays could once again find themselves in the postseason picture. However, there are a lot of things that need to go right for that to happen. The Blue Jays also have a bit of shopping to do, as they need a right fielder and some help in the bullpen. If that happens, then maybe the Blue Jays expectations that they will contend can happen.
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If not, the Toronto Blue Jays will have one excellent trade chip at the deadline with Josh Donaldson. But for now, look for the Blue Jays to attempt to contend in 2018.