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Toronto Blue Jays: Three most important additions to roster

By David Hill

DUNEDIN, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 27: Hyun-Jin Ryu #99 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch in the first inning during the spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at TD Ballpark on February 27, 2020 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
DUNEDIN, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 27: Hyun-Jin Ryu #99 of the Toronto Blue Jays delivers a pitch in the first inning during the spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at TD Ballpark on February 27, 2020 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Travis Shaw

In theory, the Toronto Blue Jays filled an important reserve spot with Travis Shaw, but he could easily be more than that.

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As it currently stands, Shaw is expected to see his plate appearances as the backup at the corner infield spots and as the Blue Jays occasional designated hitter. He can also play second if needed, holding his own over 41 appearances at the keystone in the majors. Shaw, somewhat surprisingly, does hit the super utility mold.

It is also entirely possible that Shaw winds up as the starting first baseman for the Blue Jays. Rowdy Tellez did not exactly impress during his rookie campaign, hitting 21 homers while producing a disappointing .227/.293/.449 batting line. To be fair, Shaw also struggled in 2019, with his .157/.281/.270 batting line over 270 plate appearances earning him a trip to the minors.

However, Shaw has had success in the majors. Prior to last year, he looked like a building block for the Brewers, a power hitting infielder with a solid eye at the plate. Instead, the Brewers cut Shaw loose after his dismal performance last year, ironically replacing him with former Blue Jays starting first baseman Justin Smoak.

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If Travis Shaw can get back to the form he showed in 2017 and 2018, he would be a bargain for the Toronto Blue Jays. A comeback season would go a long way towards the Blue Jays hopes of contention.

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