2021 MLB Team Preview: Toronto Blue Jays

Despite the fact that the Toronto Blue Jays were in the midst of a rebuild, they were able to get themselves ahead of schedule with an above average season in 2020. Their improved play was enough to actually get them into the postseason also, though they weren’t to progress very far. Now they regroup during the offseason with some big free agent pickups and some more time to progress and gel as a roster. We could be looking at one of the most surprising teams in the league come next season.

What Happened Last Year

Many analysts expected the Blue Jays to stay towards the bottom of their division while continuing on with their roster rebuild. Instead, they were able to go 32-28 on the season and clinch the eighth seed in the AL postseason. They finished in third place in the American League East division and were eventually swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Tampa Bay Rays. They overperformed so much last year that people are now expecting this team to compete again sooner rather than later. Their rebuild has been able to progress faster than anybody could have expected, and they should be back to competing at the highest level soon.

Offseason Changes

Toronto kicked their offseason off with a huge move, signing George Springer in free agency. Not only was he one of the best leadoff hitters in the league, but he also provides a very young Blue Jays team with a veteran presence that they may have been lacking. But they didn’t just stop after that, they picked up Marcus Semien as well and were able to work out a trade to bring Steven Matz to the team. It was a busy few weeks for Toronto but they were able to make enough big moves to now place themselves in the conversation for the best up and coming team.  

2021 Outlook

With the amount of money that the Blue Jays dished out in free agency this offseason, it seems like they have a huge plan in place for the next few years. Their roster at the moment is incredibly young and talented with loads of potential and controllable contracts. If their management is able to continue to get more talent thrown into the roster along with managing all of their contracts than this team can be truly dangerous in a few years. As for 2021, the Blue Jays will be able to put up a fight against every team in the league with all of their promising young players. While they may not be able to take home the AL East division title this year, they are well on their way to doing so in the next few seasons. We could see Toronto back in the postseason yet again in 2021 if they are able to stay healthy and perform to the expectations that are being set for them right now. They may not be contenders just yet, but they could take another giant leap forward in their rebuild this year.

Pick: 3^rd In American League East