Toronto Blue Jays 2018 Season Preview
For years, the Toronto Blue Jays were firmly stuck in the middle, better than .500, but not good enough to reach the playoffs. They are back in that position once again.
There was a time when the Toronto Blue Jays were stuck in no man’s land in baseball. They had a solid team in the late 1990s and into the 2000s, routinely finishing between 75 and 85 wins. However, they found themselves in the same division as the Yankees and Red Sox, who were making the postseason virtually every year, and even in those good seasons, were unable to get over the hump. Even with the Wild Card, the Blue Jays went over 20 years without a playoff appearance, sitting firmly in the middle of the pack.
One could forgive Blue Jays fans if they had a sense of deja vu last season. They were expecting to contend for a playoff spot, looking to finally reach the World Series again. Instead, injuries and regression led to a rough year. Jose Bautista looked old and slow. Marco Estrada was victimized by the long ball, serving up 31 homers in 186 innings. The Blue Jays rotation was so bad, that Mat Latos even got three starts.
This offseason, the Blue Jays made moves to address those problems. They have addressed their depth problems in the middle of the infield, and made moves to fix the rotation. However, none of those moves rival the Yankees or the Red Sox made this offseason. Add in the lack of moves made by the Orioles, and the Rays salary dumps, the Blue Jays appear to be solidly in the middle of the AL East once more.
Can the Toronto Blue Jays take that step forward and contend? Or will they fall by the wayside, making for a long summer north of the border?
Toronto Blue Jays additions and subtractions
Key additions: Curtis Granderson, Aledmys Diaz, Yangervis Solarte, Jaime Garcia
Newcomer to watch: Aledmys Diaz. It was not that long ago that Diaz appeared to be the answer for the Cardinals at short. He was an All Star as a rookie, posting a .300/.369/.510 batting line with 17 homers. The future seemed to have arrived.
Well, the future did arrive, but it was not Diaz. He struggled last year, posting a .259/.290/.392 batting line before being demoted to AAA. Meanwhile, Paul DeJong took over at short, impressing during his rookie campaign. As a result, Diaz was sent to the Blue Jays in December, becoming a depth option in the middle of the infield.
However, Diaz could well be more than just a backup shortstop. Incumbent veteran Troy Tulowitzki is more fragile than a Faberge Egg, and is already dealing with injuries. Diaz, if he can recapture his form from two years ago, could become a key part of the Blue Jays hopes this season. Based on Tulowitzki’s injury history, it would not be a surprise if Diaz appears in close to 100 games this season.
Key Losses: Jose Bautista, Darwin Barney, Ryan Goins
Biggest loss: Jose Bautista. There was a time when Jose Bautista was one of the most feared sluggers in the game. Last year was not that time.
However, Bautista was more than his .203/.308/.366 batting line and 23 homers indicated. He was the heart and soul of the team, the veteran leader that had been with the club for over a decade. As much as Bautista may be disliked by other fanbases, he was a beloved figure in Toronto, the powerful slugger who helped turn around the franchise.
Now, after a rough year, Bautista is gone, languishing in free agency. Even though the Toronto Blue Jays have better options for the outfield, and needed to bring in younger players, there is something to be said for veteran leadership. And, after all, Bautista still does have a bit of thunder in his bat when he makes contact.
What to expect from the Toronto Blue Jays in 2018
If everything goes according to plan, the Toronto Blue Jays could contend in 2018. However, that is a big if.
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In theory, the Blue Jays have addressed their issues. The depth in the middle of the diamond has been improved. The outfield should be better with Curtis Granderson. Jaime Garcia solidifies the back of the rotation. If the bullpen performs as well as it did last year, and players perform to their potential, Toronto could make a run at the postseason.
However, that is putting a lot of stock in players that regressed or were hampered by injuries. Marco Estrada had outpitched his peripherals for two seasons before it caught up with him last year. Neither Troy Tulowitzki nor Devon Travis are bastions of health. Russell Martin is becoming close to unplayable offensively, but the Blue Jays have nothing else behind him. And do not forget about Roberto Osuna‘s struggles with anxiety. As someone who struggles with that same problem, those attacks can come at any time, without warning.
If the Blue Jays get out to a hot start, it is possible that they can ride that momentum to a successful season. Otherwise, a slow start would mean a countdown on when Josh Donaldson gets traded. Those rumors and speculation may well lead to further struggles down the road, and another lost year.
Next: Blue Jays quiet offseason will reap benefits
The Toronto Blue Jays have talent. But they need a lot to go their way if they are going to contend in 2018. Prediction: Third place in the AL East.