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For a while at least, we can forget about the ones who got away, not to mention the two big names that seem likely to be exiting following the 2024 season.
Yes, it’s difficult not to obsess about the Blue Jays’ struggles to attract and lock up elite talent over the past two off-seasons, especially given the players they were “in” on. Pile that on to the incredulity that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette are about to enter their walk years and there’s no shortage of gripe material.
But is it also possible that general manager Ross Atkins had a more productive off-season than many want to give him credit for? There certainly is a quiet optimism around the Jays this spring, especially when analyzing the potential upside of the GMs acquisitions
Does much have to go right for the new guys to help the team turn a corner back towards contention? Of course. But in the case of each of our top 5, the potential upside is notable.
Recognizing the calendar still shows February and the season opener still is a month away, here’s a quick-hit dose of optimism at the new boys in Blue.
ANDRES GIMENEZ
Yes, one of the best defenders in the game immediately will be a game-changer in the Jays infield and thus has an opportunity to have a huge impact. Groundball pitchers will love what he does, the throws to Guerrero at first base will be easier to navigate and an already-solid defence will be that much better.
What could go right: The defence speaks for itself and Gimenez will make those around him better. You hate to read too much into Game 4 of the Grapefruit League schedule, but the fact that Gimenez was hitting leadoff on Wednesday is a hint of what awaits should the Venezuelan should he be able to resuscitate some offence. His speed on the basepaths is elite and, if he’s on base, suddenly the power bats below him become that much more lethal and productive.
MAX SCHERZER
Assuming his arm doesn’t fall off — and that 34-pitch, two-inning, four-strikeout performance in his debut on Tuesday was a brilliant sign of what might come — the Jays may have one of the sneaky-best acquisitions of the off-season. Can he show some of the brilliance of the past? It’s possible. It’s also likely that his competitiveness will be a source of inspiration for every pitcher on the roster.
What could go right: If you’re willing to toss the injury-riddled 2024 campaign that limited him to just nine starts with the Rangers last season, there is so much upside. The elite swing-and-miss ability that has allowed him to win Cy Young Awards in both leagues is still part of the arsenal, as is the fierce Mad Max competitive persona. Tough to bet against all that.
What could go wrong: The only significant issue with Scherzer, it would seem, is health. But as that Tuesday outing showed and his vows that he had a completely normal off-season encourage us that it isn’t an issue — at the end of February anyway.
JEFF HOFFMAN
One of the more compelling storylines of the Jays season will be the rebuilt bullpen and the man who was signed to a three-year, $33-million US deal is most prominent on the marquee of that production. Hoffman is the de facto closer and a bet by the Jays that he can be the explosive shut-down guy they invested in.