Toronto Blue Jays plan to spend to revamp rotation
By David Hill
The Toronto Blue Jays rotation was a disaster in 2019. If they have their way this offseason, 2020 will be a different story.
If Toronto Blue Jays fans wanted to point at one reason for their struggles this season, one would only need to look as far as the starting rotation. Blue Jays starters posted a 5.25 ERA this year, ranking 22nd in the majors. When the starters did pitch, they did not last long as Toronto ranked 28th with 711.1 innings from their rotation. That total surpassed only the Rays, and their beloved openers, and the Angels, who had their own difficulties finding anything useful as a starter.
That may not be the case in 2020. According to general manager Ross Atkins, the Blue Jays will look to add pitching in “every possible way” this offseason.
While it’d be a surprise to see #BlueJays shop at the very top of the market, Atkins says “We need to acquire pitching that we can count on.” Atkins adds “It’s not good enough to have depth. We need to have guys that can contribute in significant ways.”
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) October 1, 2019
The Blue Jays could certainly use help in every aspect, particularly in the rotation. Once Marcus Stroman was traded to the Mets, Wilmer Font, who bounced around three organizations last season, was their best starter. That cannot be the case in 2020 if Toronto wants to have a realistic chance at contention.
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There are some intriguing pieces already in place. Prospect Anthony Kay should be ready for the majors next year, and showed some promise during his September callup. Matt Shoemaker is under control for at least one more season, and has been a solid option when healthy. Trent Thornton had his moments, and showed an ability to generate strikeouts, but needs to be more consistent.
Even if all three are in the Blue Jays rotation, there are still openings. As unlikely as it may be for Toronto to play in the upper echelon of the free agent market, there are still plenty of options that will be available. The Blue Jays are also hoping to be active in the trade market, potentially landing an arm or two there as well.
It makes sense that the Blue Jays would be looking to add to their roster. The young offense, headlined by a bevy of second generation prospects, was certainly impressive. But unless the Blue Jays are hoping to win every game 11-10, they will need a reasonably competent pitching staff. That quest needs to begin with the rotation.
Next. How the second generation stacks up. dark
The Toronto Blue Jays plan on investing in the pitching staff this offseason. Considering what they had in 2019, almost anything would be an upgrade.