Toronto Blue Jays All-Time Roster

Here’s our look at the Toronto Blue Jays’ all-time roster.

One of the expansion teams in 1977, the Toronto Blue Jays endured five years of outright misery before becoming competitive. Yet, in the id 1980s, just a few short years after they began as a franchise, the Blue Jays found themselves in the postseason, winning the American League East in both 1985, 1989 and 1991. While they failed to advance in the postseason, it was a great experience for a franchise that experienced such misery at the start of their time in the Majors.

That run in the 1980s culminated during the early 1990s. In 1992 and 1993, the Blue Jays won consecutive World Series, the 1993 championship punctuated by Joe Carter’s legendary home run off of the Phillies Mitch Williams. Toronto was the center of the baseball universe, and one of the model franchises in the game.

Alas, after the 1993 World Series, the Blue Jays endured another run of futility. They would go over 20 years without another postseason appearance, a run that ended last year. While the team would remain somewhat competitive, they were unable to get out of that mid-80s for victories, struggling to keep up in a division with the Red Sox and Yankees’ bloated payrolls.

Now, there is another Golden Age of Toronto Blue Jays baseball. In fact, it is easy to see the parallels between the current Blue Jays and the teams of the mid-1980s into the early part of the 1990s. Could we see the Blue Jays have another championship in the coming years?

The past and present also combine when putting together the Blue Jays all-time 25 man roster. So, without further ado, let us take a look at the greatest players ever to put on a Toronto Blue Jays uniform.

Next: Whitt-out a doubt

Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Catcher – Ernie Whitt (1977-1989)

Ernie Whitt was not a regular in the lineup until he was already 28 years old. However, even with that late start, he was easily the greatest catcher in Toronto Blue Jays history.

An All-Star during the Blue Jays first run to the postseason in 1985, Whitt had eight consecutive seasons with double-digit homers, topping out with 19 home runs twice. A good contact hitter with a bit of pop, Whitt posted a .253/.327/.420 batting line in Toronto, drawing 403 walks against 450 strikeouts. He had 131 home runs and 164 doubles, giving the Blue Jays another solid bat towards the bottom of their lineup.

While he was about league average with the bat, Whitt shined defensively. Even on a team with a history of having strong defensive backstops, he easily outpaces the next best catcher, posting a 79.3 DEF score. Possessing a strong arm and excellent instincts behind the plate, Whitt was an above-average presence, helping cultivate the young Blue Jays pitching staff.

It may be fair to say that the Blue Jays are still looking to find a catcher to replace Whitt to this day. Only one other catcher, Pat Borders, has made even half the appearances Whitt did behind the plate, as the catcher position has been a revolving door over the years. Even top catching prospects have flamed out or moved elsewhere, leaving Whitt to cast a long shadow over the position almost 30 years after his final game in Toronto.

Ernie Whitt may seem to be the Blue Jays top catcher by default, but he was a solid contributor on both sides of the game. The long-time catcher, and one of the original Blue Jays, he certainly deserves his spot on the roster.

Next: An overshadowed slugger

Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: First Base – Carlos Delgado (1993-2004)

Carlos Delgado burst onto the scene in 1994, hitting eight home runs in his first 13 games before struggling and being sent back to the minors for more seasoning. When he came back for good two years later, he quickly established himself as one of the top sluggers in the American League.

Beginning in 1997, Delgado hit 30 or more home runs for the next eight seasons in Toronto, topping out with 44 in 1999. He drove in 100 or more runs in all but two of those years, missing by a single RBI in 2004. Typically ranking amongst the league leaders in doubles, homers and RBI, Delgado only made two All-Star Games, despite receiving solid consideration for the MVP award.

During his Blue Jays career, Delgado produced a .282/.396/.556 batting line, hitting 336 homers and driving in 1058 runs. The Blue Jays all-time leader in home runs, RBI, runs, doubles and walks, Delgado is also second in on-base percentage, slugging and OPS. The greatest hitter in team history, his 21 votes for the Hall of Fame in 2015, and two All-Star selections, just highlight how overlooked he was during his career.

Defensively, Delgado was a stellar hitter. Despite being almost exactly league average in range factor and fielding percentage, he cost the Blue Jays 22 runs during his career and had an incredible -139.4 DEF score. As it was, Delgado may have been better served as a designated hitter instead of a first baseman.

Currently the greatest hitter in Toronto Blue Jays history, Carlos Delgado did not get the recognition he deserved during his career. Nonetheless, he was the face of Blue Jays baseball during the latter 1990s and early 2000s, a player with few others in his class.

Next: The best of the family

Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Second Base – Roberto Alomar (1991-1995)

Roberto Alomar may have only played for five seasons in Toronto, but he made every one of them count.

Every season, one could count on Alomar making the All-Star Game and winning a Gold Glove award. He finished sixth in the MVP vote in three consecutive years, and won the Silver Slugger award in 1992. He made his mark in the postseason that year as well, winning the ALCS MVP award on the strength of his .423/.464/.692 batting line, hitting two home runs and stealing five bases in six games.

While he was not quite the power threat that he would become in his later years, Alomar was still quite the threat in the Blue Jays lineup. He produced a .307/.382/.451 batting line, hitting 55 homers and 156 doubles. Yet, where Alomar made his mark was with his speed, swiping 206 bases, and averaging 52 steals in his first three seasons with the Blue Jays.

Although he won the Gold Glove each year, Alomar was a bit overrated defensively. He actually cost the Blue Jays 26 runs at second and was below average in range factor. He did lead the league in fielding percentage twice but was also amongst the league leaders in errors twice as well. With a -17.9 DEF score, Alomar was definitely a mixed bag at second.

Despite his defensive lapses, there is no questioning that Roberto Alomar was a difference-maker for the Toronto Blue Jays. His presence atop the lineup changed the complexion of their offense, helping the team to their consecutive World Series titles.

Next: An immediate impact at the hot corner

Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Third Base – Josh Donaldson (2015-2018)

Josh Donaldson had already established himself as an All-Star and a perennial MVP candidate over his first two full seasons in Oakland, but he exploded when he joined the Blue Jays. Just as we had seen happen with other players, Donaldson put together a power surge, ripping 41 home runs while leading the American League with 122 runs scored and 123 RBI during his first season in Canada. He won his first MVP award and Silver Slugger, helping bring Toronto back to the postseason.

Donaldson spent parts of four seasons total with the Blue Jays, establishing himself as the franchise WAR leader at third base in just that short time with a little more than 19 WAR. He batted .281 with .383 OBP and .548 slugging for .931 OPS. He had 116 home runs and 316 RBI.

Donaldson also proved to be a solid defensive player at third, ranking above average in range factor. He finished sixth all-time in DEF score amongst Blue Jays third basemen.

Next: He kept coming back

Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Shortstop – Tony Fernandez (1983-1990, 1993, 1998-1999, 2001)

Tony Fernandez had four different stints with the Toronto Blue Jays. Given his production, it is understandable why they would keep bringing him back.

A solid player throughout much of his career, Fernandez was at his best with a Blue Jay uniform. He made four All-Star Games, won four Gold Gloves, and was a catalyst in the lineup. A solid contact hitter with speed and a bit of pop, Fernandez was quite adept at putting the ball in play and moving the runners along.

Yet, he was more than just a contact hitter. Fernandez was a speed threat, routinely stealing twenty or more bases. He led the league in triples in 1990 and even hit double-digit home runs twice. Overall in Toronto, Fernandez had a .297/.353/.412 batting line, hitting 291 doubles and stealing 172 bases.

Defensively, Fernandez saved 51 runs at short, and even filled in at third and second later in his career. He routinely outperformed the league average in range factor and in the more traditional fielding percentage and certainly deserved more than those four Gold Gloves that he won. In a time of defensive specialists at short, Fernandez was one of the best.

When one thinks of the all-time great Toronto Blue Jays, Tony Fernandez may not immediately spring to mind. However, as the Blue Jays career leader with a 35.1 WAR, he could stake a claim to that title.

Next: Time for a bat flip

Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Right Field – Jose Bautista (2008-2017)

Until he came to Toronto, Jose Bautista was a journeyman with decent power, but had never put it together at the major league level. An adjustment to his swing late in 2009, and a torrid month of September, set the stage for the player Blue Jays fans have come to know.

That hot September, where he had a .280/.360/.660 batting line with ten of his 13 homers for the year, carried over. He led the league with 54 home runs in 2010, making the first of six consecutive All-Star Games, and winning the Silver Slugger award. Considered one of the premier power threats in baseball, and a potential All-Star and MVP candidate in any given year during his peak, Bautista established himself as one of the feared sluggers in the game.

Defensively, Bautista may not be the best when it comes to getting to the ball in flight, but he more than made up for it with his rocket arm. The former third baseman found his calling in the outfield, using his cannon to routinely rank among the league leaders in outfield assists and double plays. He also, at least once per year, seems to throw out a runner at first on what would appear to be a base hit, showing that nothing can be taken for granted.

All it took was one adjustment, and Jose Bautista became one of the more feared sluggers in the league. The Blue Jays gave him a chance and reaped the benefits.

Next: A golden speedster

Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Center Field – Devon White (1991-1995)

Devon White had proven to be an excellent defensive center fielder before heading to the Toronto Blue Jays, but he cemented his reputation as a stellar gloveman during his time north of the border.

White’s glovework often led to his offensive capabilities being overlooked. he was not just a player who could track down fly balls; White also had some pop and steal a bag or two. He had thirty or more steals three times, and hit double-digit homers each year in Toronto, proving to be an all-around threat.

Although his overall .270/.327/.432 batting line may not seem impressive, it was a little better than league average during that time. He hit 72 home runs and 155 doubles, while adding 126 stolen bases. White, when he got on base or made contact, was an asset in the lineup.

Yet, it was with his glove that White truly made his mark. A Gold Glove winner in each of his five seasons in Toronto, he was amongst the league leaders in putouts, assists, and double plays almost every year. In those five years, White saved the Blue Jays 71 runs, while tracking down virtually anything hit to center.

These days, Devon White lives on in our memories for his amazing defensive capabilities. Yet, he was more than just a great defensive player; White was a solid hitter as well.

Next: For whom the Bell tolls

Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Left Field – George Bell (1981-1990)

George Bell had already won two Silver Slugger awards and finished as high as fourth in the MVP balloting before his first All-Star Game in 1987. Yet, he is remembered for his surprising MVP award that year.

It is not that Bell was not a good player that year, as he produced a .308/.352/.605 batting line with 47 home runs and a league-leading 134 RBI. It is just that Alan Trammell appeared to be the runaway favorite for the award. However, Bell edged him out, taking the award by a mere 21 points.

During his time in Toronto, Bell posted a .286/.325/.486 batting line with 202 home runs and 740 RBI. He had three seasons with over 100 RBI, and hit twenty or more homers five times, but never quite had another season like his MVP year in 1987. Yet, he was a solid player, and one that likely deserved more than the two All-Star nods he received while in Toronto.

Bell was a bit of a mixed bag in left. While he led the league in assists for three consecutive years from 1985 through 1987, he also led the league in errors five times. In fact, his 86 total errors in left is the 16th most in MLB history, which minimized the positives from his strong arm. Bell was also below average in terms of getting to the ball itself, ranking below the league average in range factor.

A solid hitter, George Bell was a consistent run producer in the Toronto Blue Jays lineup. He was just a player that one would not want in the field, although if he is next to Devon White, his limitations defensively would not matter so much.

Next: Anyone remember that he was briefly with the A's?

Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Designated Hitter – Edwin Encarnacion (2009 – present)

Edwin Encarnacion almost was not a member of the Blue Jays for the past few years. The Oakland A’s had claimed him on waivers on November 12, 2010 before making him a free agent three weeks later. He resigned with the Blue Jays, and the rest has been history.

After a decent enough 2011 season, where he produced a 111 OPS+, Encarnacion has blossomed into the slugger we have come to expect these days. Much like Bautista, Encarnacion made an adjustment and became a star, slugging 42 homers in 2012. A three-time All-Star, he has hit thirty or more home runs in each of the past five years, teaming up with Bautista to give the Blue Jays quite the 1-2 punch in the middle of the lineup.

During his eight years in Toronto, at least heading into Saturday’s action, Encarnacion has carved his way into the Blue Jays history books. He has produced a .269/.355/.524 batting line, hitting 233 home runs with 659 RBI. While not known as a speed threat, he has even chipped in 37 stolen bases, including 13 in 2012.

Although Encarnacion is considered a hitter, he has also provided the Blue Jays with some defensive flexibility. He may not be Gold Glove material at either first or third, but Encarnacion is not an embarrassment either. In fact, he is serviceable enough to provide the occasional day off, and even help solidify the first base position earlier this season.

The one who almost got away, Edwin Encarnacion became a free agent shortly after being selected on waivers, resigning with the Toronto Blue Jays. Based on his production, they are certainly glad he did.

Next: Some pop in a backup role

Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Backup catcher – Gregg Zaun (2004-2008)

In a way, Gregg Zaun may have been the prototypical backup catcher, especially based on what that role entails these days.

A player with a solid amount of pop, Zaun was the Blue Jays primary catcher during his five years with the team. he had double-digit home runs in three of his five years, with a high of 12 in just 99 games during the 2006 season. Zaun also had a solid batting eye and an ability to make contact, drawing 250 walks against 266 strikeouts in his time in Toronto.

All told, he produced a solid .255/.354/.399 batting line, hitting 45 homers and 97 doubles in his time with the Blue Jays. Those numbers may not seem impressive, but he also had only 1922 plate appearances in those five years, averaging less than 400 plate appearances a year. Given a full season as a starter, and Zaun’s numbers would have been more impressive.

Zaun was almost exactly what one looks for in a catcher on defense. While he did not have the strongest arm behind the plate, frequently lagging behind the league average in caught stealing percentage, he made up for it with his glove. He was considered to be worth 23 runs above average during his time in Toronto, giving the Blue Jays that steady defensive presence behind the plate.

The typical backup catcher has a solid glove and a bit of pop. Gregg Zaun was almost the exact definition in what teams look for behind the plate.

Next: More than a third baseman

Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Utility – Kelly Gruber (1984-1992)

Perhaps it is not a surprise that, when Kelly Gruber made the Majors, the Blue Jays began their trek towards relevance. After all, throughout the late 1980s and into the 1990s, he was one of the faces of the ballclub.

He struggled when he first came up to Toronto, with two brief call-ups before sticking in 1986. He showed some power and speed capability but produced a .218/.258/.374 batting line through age 25. Then, in 1988, everything clicked for Gruber. He became a viable threat in the lineup and would make two All-Star Games and finish fourth in the MVP balloting in 1990.

Overall, Gruber had a solid career with the Blue Jays. He produced a .259/.307/.432 batting line, hitting 117 homers and stealing 80 bases. If his initial struggles are removed, and the next five years of Gruber’s career are considered separately, those numbers improve dramatically. Even accounting for his struggles due to a degenerative disk in his neck, he still had a .267/.316/.447 batting line over those five years.

While Gruber is thought of as a third baseman, he was much more. He filled in at second, right, and even shortstop during his career, playing each position with relative competence. In fact, when he attempted to make a comeback in 1997, Gruber spent 21 of his 38 games at second and did not make an appearance at third.

Gruber may not have been a Hall of Fame talent, but he was well on his way to a solid career before his neck injury forced him into early retirement. One of the faces of the Blue Jays during their first Golden Age, one has to wonder what would have been if he stayed healthy.

Next: A power hitting sensation

Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Outfield – Jesse Barfield (1981-1989)

Known for his tremendous defense and excellent power, Jesse Barfield was a mainstay for the Toronto Blue Jays during the 1980s.

He made an immediate impact with his bat in the Toronto lineup, slugging 18 homers in his rookie year. After seeing a slight drop in his playing time over the next two years, he cemented his place in the starting lineup in 1985. That year, He hit 27 home runs and stole 22 bases, becoming an all-around threat. While he would never steal that many bases again, Barfield followed that up by hitting 40 home runs in 1986.

Although he finished in the top ten in the MVP balloting twice, Barfield only made one All-Star Game. Nonetheless, he was one of the better hitters in Blue Jays history, producing a .265/.334/.483 batting line with 179 homers. He hit 20 or more homers four times during his time in Toronto, even though he would not come close to the magic of his 1986 season again.

A two-time Gold Glove award winner, Barfield was one of the best defensive right fielders in MLB history. He led the American League in outfield assists four times, and right fielders as a whole five times, during his time with the Blue Jays. He led the league in runs saved as a right fielder on four occasions, and his 149 runs saved ranks third all-time, trailing only Roberto Clemente and Al Kaline. His 154 assists are 15th all time, and he ranks sixth with 45 double plays in right. One just did not run on Jesse Barfield.

A gifted outfielder with solid power, Jesse Barfield was a better player than most realize. That blend of power and world-class defense helped turn the Blue Jays organization around in the latter part of the 1980s.

Next: What happened to him?

Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Outfield – Vernon Wells (1999-2010)

There was a time when Vernon Wells was one of the better all-around players in baseball. Then, once he left the Blue Jays, his production fell off the proverbial cliff, as he became another high dollar error for the Angels.

Yet, before that ill-fated trade to Los Angeles, Wells was one of the better players in baseball. He had excellent power, hitting 20 or more homers seven times while adding in double-digit steals on three occasions. In 2003, Wells led the league with 215 hits and 49 doubles, one of three years that he would have 40 or more doubles.

During his 12 years in Toronto, Wells established himself as one of the better players in team history. He produced a solid .280/.329/.475 batting line, hitting 229 homers and 339 doubles while adding 90 stolen bases.

As good as Wells was with the bat, one could argue he was just as good defensively. A three-time Gold Glove winner, Wells possessed a strong arm and great range. He led the league with 12 assists, and four double plays, in center in 2005. The next year, Wells led all American League outfielders with 22 runs saved, running away with his third consecutive Gold Glove award.

It is easy to remember Vernon Wells for the disappointment he had been after leaving Toronto, but he had been a solid player for the Blue Jays. Sometimes, a change of scenery can have the opposite effect as well.

And now, on to the pitching staff!

Next: A Hall of Fame pitcher

Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Starting Pitcher – Roy Halladay (1998-2009)

During the 2000s, few pitchers were as dominant as Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay. An innings eater with impeccable command, he was a proven winner despite not having that one dominating pitch.

He was a throwback to an earlier era in the game. Routinely amongst the league leaders in complete games and innings, Halladay even led the American League with five complete games in 2005 when he made only 19 starts. A seven-time All-Star, Halladay won two Cy Young awards and finished in the top three on two other occasions. He led the American League in complete games five times, and in innings pitched three times.

Arguably the greatest pitcher in Blue Jays history, he left for Philadelphia as the all-time leader with a 48.9 WAR. He ranks second in wins, strikeouts, WHiP and is third in ERA. Overall, Halladay posted a 148-76 record in Toronto, with a 3.43 ERA and a 1.198 WHiP. He struck out 1495 batters while issuing only 455 walks in 2046.2 innings.

Yet, for his dominance in Toronto, most fans likely remember Halladay for what he did in his first season with the Phillies. Finally getting a chance to pitch in the postseason, he fired the second no-hitter in playoff history, with only a single walk keeping Halladay from perfection.

One of the greatest pitchers in his time, Roy Halladay was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019.

Next: He finally got one

Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Starting Pitcher – Jimmy Key (1984-1992)

A solid starting pitcher who was routinely among the league leaders in winning percentage and ERA+, Jimmy Key may be one of the more overlooked pitchers in his time.

Interestingly, Key started his career in the bullpen, serving as a closer for a time as he racked up ten saves with 63 appearances in his rookie season. He found his groove the next year when the Blue Jays put him in the starting rotation. That year, he made the All-Star Game while posting a 14-6 record with a 3.00 ERA and a 1.119 WHiP. In 1987, Key led the league with a 2.76 ERA and a 1.057 WHiP, finishing second in the Cy Young ballot, but did not make the All-Star Game.

That season set the stage for what his time in Toronto would be like. Key finished his tenure with the Blue Jays with a 116-81 record, posting a 3.42 ERA and a 1.196 WHiP. Despite having a mere 944 strikeouts in 1695.2 innings pitched, he minimized the damage with his impressive control, issuing only 404 walks.

Key may not have been overpowering by any stretch of the imagination, but he was quite effective. He relied upon his command and his ability to spot his fastball and slider, although he would occasionally lose his mechanics and leave both pitches up. Injuries also derailed his career at points, as he missed a good deal of five seasons due to various ailments, particularly with his elbow.

When healthy, few pitchers were as good as Jimmy Key. The problem was making sure that he could take that next turn on the mound.

Next: A comet across the landscape

Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Starting Pitcher – Juan Guzman (1991-1998)

Early in his career, Juan Guzman looked like he would be a star for the Blue Jays. He then lost his touch, found it again, and then had injuries take their toll.

At the beginning, Guzman was a rare breed. He started his career with a 40-11 record, joining Sal Maglie, Whitey Ford and Roger Clemens as the only pitchers to have 40 or more wins and fewer than 15 losses in their first three years. He then lost his effectiveness during the strike-shortened seasons in 1994 and 1995, but rediscovered that form one last time in 1996. That year, he posted a 2.76 ERA and a 1.124 WHiP, leading the American League in both categories. Guzman appeared to be back as a possible ace for the Blue Jays.

However, that would be a short-lived comeback. He struggled with his command once again and dealt with injuries. He would be traded to Baltimore a year later, and only two years later, his career would be over, with shoulder woes forcing his retirement after one disastrous outing in Tampa Bay.

Overall, Guzman had a solid 76-62 record in Toronto, posting a 4.07 ERA and a 1.353 WHiP. He struck out 1030 batters in 1215.2 innings of work but was undone by 546 walks. As decent as a career as Guzman had, it is a far cry from what he appeared to be on the verge of becoming in his first three years in the league.

Juan Guzman appeared as though he would be a star. Instead, he had four excellent seasons and found himself derailed by injury and command issues.

Next: More than an innings eater

Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Starting Pitcher – Pat Hentgen (1991-1999, 2004)

A workhorse in the middle of the 1990s, Pat Hentgen was a key piece of the Blue Jays championships in 1992 and 1993. Yet, during what should have been his prime, he was ineffective, as those innings took their toll on his arm.

Prior to those injuries, Hentgen was a solid pitcher. A three-time All-Star, Hentgen led the league in innings, complete games and shutouts while posting a 20-10 record en route to winning the 1996 Cy Young award. Oddly, in what was his best year in the Majors, he did not make the All-Star Game.

After a trade to the Cardinals and three seasons in Baltimore, Hentgen returned home once again. However, his homecoming was anything but sweet, as his usually solid control deserted him. He posted a 6.95 ERA and a 1.643 WHiP, walking 42 batters in 80.1 innings before announcing his retirement on July 24, 2004.

Hentgen was a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter for the Blue Jays, leading the league in complete games and innings in 1996 and 1997. Overall, he posted a 107-85 record with Toronto, to go along with a 4.28 ERA and a 1.391 WHiP. However, those numbers are skewed by his lost effectiveness later in his career, as those innings took their toll. Through the 1997 season, Hentgen was 82-53, with a 3.88 ERA and a 1.338 WHiP.

A solid pitcher through age 28, Hentgen had his prime taken away due to the demand placed upon his right arm. If he had stayed healthy, Hentgen could well have been the next Dave Stieb for the Blue Jays.

Next: A small town boy who made it big

Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Closer – Tom Henke (1985-1992)

Tom Henke grew up in a town of about 900 people. Nonetheless, he managed to go on to be one of the more dominant closers of his era.

Stolen from the Texas Rangers organization as a free agent compensation pick, Henke really came into his own with the Blue Jays. Already 27 years old in his first full season in the Majors, Henke quickly took over as the Blue Jays closer, a spot he would hold for the rest of his time in Toronto. At 6’5″ and possessing a hard fastball and devastating forkball, he cut quite the imposing figure on the mound.

The Blue Jays all-time leader in saves, Henke was the seventh pitcher in MLB history to reach the 300 save plateau. With Toronto, he posted a 2.48 ERA and a 1.025 WHiP, recording 217 saves. He struck out 644 batters in 563 innings, issuing only 166 walks. Ironically, the reason why the Rangers gave up on Henke was due to his 20 walks in 28.1 innings in 1984.

In a way, one could consider Henke one of the first of the current breed of closer. He was a strikeout artist, capable of mowing down the side to notch the save. He may have had impeccable command, but he also struck out over a batter per inning at a time when such pitchers were an anomaly.

Despite making only one All-Star Game during his time in Toronto, Tom Henke was one of the top closers in baseball during his peak. Not bad for a pitcher that the Blue Jays essentially picked up from the scrap heap.

Next: Another hard thrower from a small town

Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Setup Man – Duane Ward (1986-1995)

Considering that Duane Ward spent most of his time with the Toronto Blue Jays in Tom Henke’s shadow, it is sort of ironic that he is bumped from the closer role by him once again.

Another fireballer, Ward served in a co-closer role with Henke through 1992, notching double-digit saves in five consecutive years. Ward even recorded 23 saves in his own right in 1991, during a year where Henke had 32 saves of his own. That year, he led the American League with 81 appearances and was easily the most dominant setup man in the game.

He finally had a chance to have the closer role to himself in 1993. That year, he made the All-Star Game and set the Blue Jays team record with 45 saves. He would collect two more saves in the 1993 World Series, and earn the win in Game Six as they came from behind. However, he was beset by injuries after that point and only pitched four more games in the Majors.

Even with his career essentially being over at age 29, Ward carved his place into the Blue Jays record books. Second all-time in appearances and saves, he posted a 3.18 ERA and a 1.240 WHiP. He recorded 121 saves, while striking out 671 batters in 650.1 innings of work. Paired with Tom Henke, Ward gave the Blue Jays a truly dominant back end of the bullpen.

Duane Ward had his chance to shine and ran with it in 1993. Unfortunately, that was the end of his run as a dominant pitcher.

Next: Q is for quality relief

Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Relief Pitcher – Paul Quantrill (1996-2001)

During a time when setup men making the All-Star Game was unheard of, Paul Quantrill was one of the first to break that barrier.

A native of Canada, Quantrill’s time in the Blue Jays organization did not begin well. He bounced between the bullpen and the rotation, as he had done in his four Major League seasons, but found little success. However, when Toronto put him in a relief role on a full-time basis, Quantrill began to shine, making his mark as a pitcher who could take the mound virtually every day.

Quantrill’s impressive stint in the bullpen culminated in his selection to the All-Star Game in 2001, allowing a run on two hits while recording one out. He became one of the first setup men to ever make the All-Star squad, something that is still a rarity in this day and age.

During his six years with the Blue Jays, Quantrill became an impressive reliever. His overall numbers were skewed by his season between the rotation and the bullpen, but he still performed rather well. He produced a 3.67 ERA and a 1.441 WHiP, but also provided the Blue jays with a reliable arm that could take the ball at any given time. In fact, if we just look at his time in the bullpen, Quantrill’s numbers improve to a 3.05 ERA and a 1.364 WHiP.

Paul Quantrill helped pave the way for setup men and middle relievers to make the All-Star Game. He thrived in a thankless position and found a way to get recognition for it.

Next: He deserved more of a chance to close

Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Relief Pitcher – Mike Timlin (1991-1997)

One of a handful of pitchers in MLB history to appear in over 1000 games, Mike Timlin had a few chances to close in his career. He did quite well in those opportunities but was never given the closer role outright.

Part of the Blue Jays stellar bullpen at the beginning part of the 1990s, Timlin recorded the final out of the 1992 World Series, giving Toronto their first championship. He continued to pitch well in the bullpen, and in 1996, was given the closer role for the first time in his career. He responded with 31 saves but went back into a setup role the following year.

Using a solid fastball and a slider and sinker that generated ground balls, he was more of a throwback as a setup man. While fireballers began to take over in relief, he was able to come in and get that key grounder, getting that needed double-play ball in a key situation. Add in his solid control, and it is easy to see why Timlin was a key part of the bullpen on four World Series winning teams.

Overall, Timlin had 52 saves in his six and a half seasons with the Blue Jays. He recorded a 3.65 ERA and a 1.363 WHiP, striking out 331 batters in 393 innings. While he had his struggles at times, particularly in 1993 and 1994, he was able to use his downward breaking pitches to great effect, becoming a solid piece of the Toronto bullpen.

Mike Timlin served in virtually every role for the Blue Jays, even making three starts a rookie. Yet, he was at his best with a runner on, and Toronto needing that one ground ball to get out of the jam. More often than not, he came through.

Next: Excellence in a short time

Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Relief pitcher – Billy Koch (1999-2001)

Billy Koch only spent three seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, but during that time, he established himself as one of the better relievers in team history.

Taking over as the Blue Jays closer in his rookie year, Koch recorded 31 saves in 1999. He continued to perform relatively well in save opportunities, with over 30 saves in each of his three years in Toronto. However, he struggled with his effectiveness in 2001, posting a 4.80 ERA and a 1.471 WhiP, leading to his trade to Oakland.

He had one more excellent year as a closer with the A’s before he was sent to the White Sox. He again struggled and was sent to the Marlins partway through the 2004 season. He pitched relatively well, but left due to personal issues, leading to his being released. Koch signed again with the Blue Jays, who then cut him in Spring Training. Angered, Koch said he would not sign elsewhere that year so that Toronto was on the hook for “every cent” of his $950,000 contract. That would also be the last time that he appeared in professional baseball.

Koch’s results in Toronto were a bit of a mixed bag. He was one of the more dominant pitchers in the game when in the right mindset, but he would also lose his composure and command. He finished with exactly 100 saves, to go along with a 3.57 ERA and a 1.337 WHiP, striking out 172 batters in 211.2 innings.

It may have ended on a sour note, but Billy Koch was one of the better closers in the game. However, those issues, both personally and with his inability to keep his composure, limited the type of player he was able to become.

Next: He toiled in anonymity

Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Relief Pitcher – Jason Frasor (2004-2011, 2012)

Jason Frasor toiled in relative anonymity as a middle reliever for the Blue Jays, but he still made his mark on the record books.

Of all the pitchers to appear with Toronto, Frasor holds the record for the most appearances in a Blue Jays uniform. Taking the ball 505 times, he was able to typically provide the Blue Jays with worry-free relief.

While he primarily served as a middle reliever, Frasor did have a couple of stints as a closer. He performed fairly well in that role, particularly as a rookie in 2004. That season, he was 17 for 19 in save situations, leading the team as they cycled through six different closers. He served as the Blue Jays closer again for a time in 2009, as B.J. Ryan imploded in the role.

Overall, Frasor had a solid career. He posted a 3.73 ERA and a 1.310 WHiP, recording 36 saves. While not known as a flamethrower, Frasor struck out 479 batters in 504.2 innings of work. He was particularly adept at getting right-handed batters out, holding them to a .228/.303/.355 batting line in 1524 plate appearances.

Typically, middle relievers exist in obscurity, only being noticed when they fail to get the lead over to the setup men. Jason Frasor, however, deserved noticed for his incredible ability to neutralize right-handed hitting and for holding the Blue Jays team record for appearances.

Next: He found himself in relief

Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Relief Pitcher – Scott Downs (2005-2010)

Scott Downs began his career as a starter, and struggled in that role. Acquired as a free agent following the 2004 season, the Toronto Blue Jays finally made him a reliever.

In that role, Downs found his calling. Serving as a lefty specialist, he led the American League with 81 appearances in 2007, but only had 58 innings of work. Yet, Downs was not just a pitcher who would get lefties out; he also served as the Blue Jays closer for a time in 2009, recording saves in nine of his 13 chances.

However, there is no denying how devastating Downs was against left-handed batters. In his career, lefties had a mere .219/.287/.322 batting line in 1102 plate appearances. His strikeout to walk ratio of 2.89 against left-handed batters only helped to illustrate his overall dominance against that side of the plate.

During his six years in Toronto, Downs posted a 3.13 ERA and a 1.231 WHiP, striking out 341 batters in 407.2 innings. Yet, as solid as those numbers are, they are skewed by his time in the rotation and as a spot starter. Over his last four years with the Blue Jays, Downs had a 2.36 ERA and a 1.149 WHiP, striking out 205 batters in 236.2 innings.

One of the finest lefty relievers in his day, Scott Downs was an important part of the Blue jays bullpen. With his success against lefties, he would certainly deserve that final relief spot in the All-Time Toronto Blue Jays 25 man roster.