Toronto Blue Jays 2018 Season Preview
By David Hill
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.