Toronto Blue Jays tearing down the roster with eye to future
By David Hill
The Toronto Blue Jays endured a rough 2018, but better days are ahead.
Heading into the 2018 campaign, the Toronto Blue Jays had a decision to make. The Red Sox and Yankees had seemingly improved, which had appeared to leave the Blue Jays stuck solidly in the middle of the AL East. At best, the Blue Jays were going to contend for a Wild Card berth.
As such, there was a strong sentiment that the Blue Jays should end up selling. Josh Donaldson was a free agent at the end of the season, and a hot commodity on the trade market. J.A. Happ and Marco Estrada were intriguing middle of the rotation arms that a contender could have targeted. Instead, the Blue Jays held out hope that they could contend. That proved to be the wrong move, as Toronto quickly saw the rest of the division leave them behind. Only the woeful Orioles kept the Blue Jays from the AL East basement.
Heading into 2019, there is a different feel around the Blue Jays. Donaldson is gone, traded to the Indians before signing with Atlanta as a free agent. Former closer Roberto Osuna was sent to Houston after a lengthy suspension due to domestic violence. Happ was sent to the Yankees, where he proved to be a difference maker. As it stands, both Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez are the subject of trade rumors. The Blue Jays may be a much different team once Opening Day comes around in 2019.
Even though the coming year may not be the best for the Toronto Blue Jays, there are better days ahead.