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Toronto Blue Jays make wrong decision with Shun Yamaguchi

ByDavid Hill|
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 15: Shun Yamaguchi #1 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks on while pitching during the second inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on September 15, 2020 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 15: Shun Yamaguchi #1 of the Toronto Blue Jays looks on while pitching during the second inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on September 15, 2020 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

The Toronto Blue Jays had hoped that they were adding a valuable piece to their pitching staff when they inked Shun Yamaguchi to a two year deal. He was expected to serve as a swingman in Toronto, getting the occasional spot start while picking up valuable innings in the bullpen.

Instead, Yamaguchi never found his footing in 2020. After a disastrous season in the majors, he was released by Toronto on Saturday, with the team still owing him $3.125 million.

Toronto Blue Jays cut bait with Shun Yamaguchi

After a solid career in Japan, it is easy to see why the Blue Jays had hoped for similar results stateside. However, Yamaguchi just never found his footing in Toronto. Perhaps it was due to the abbreviated season and the stoppage due to the pandemic, but he struggled to an 8.06 ERA and a 1.753 WHiP over his 25.2 innings, striking out 26 batters, but issuing 17 walks and six homers.

One can understand the Blue jays decision to simply cut bait with Yamaguchi. He had not been the pitcher that they were hoping for, and was far more of a liability than anything else in 2020. But last season has to be taken with a grain of salt, especially considering the struggles that even some of the brightest stars in the game had in the shortened season.

With the Blue Jays on the hook for Yamaguchi’s salary, it would have made sense to keep him on hand as a depth option. Teams are stockpiling arms as it is uncertain how many starters will be able to handle a full workload, particularly at the start of the season. Toronto is also looking to add to their rotation, although Steven Matz is the only piece they have brought on board.

Yamaguchi could have served as insurance for the Blue Jays. His experience as a starter and reliever in Japan would have made him a useful piece, even if he was stashed in AAA to begin the year. Instead, this is a missed opportunity, and one that will cost Toronto the same amount as if they kept him on the roster.

Shun Yamaguchi never found his footing in his first season with the Toronto Blue Jays. As it turns out, that first year will be his last.

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