The start of a new MLB season always brings excitement and hope for every team, including the Toronto Blue Jays. After a disappointing 2020 season, where they finished with a record of 32-28 and missed the playoffs, the Blue Jays are looking to bounce back and make a statement in 2021. With a young and talented core, as well as some key offseason additions, the Blue Jays are feeling optimistic heading into the new season. However, fans and experts alike are cautious about their chances of success, and for good reason. Let’s take a closer look at why the Blue Jays may not be as ready for a playoff run as they seem.
The Blue Jays’ Offseason Moves
Heading into the 2021 season, the Blue Jays made some significant moves to improve their roster. The most notable addition is the signing of veteran outfielder George Springer to a six-year, $150 million contract. Springer brings a much-needed veteran presence to the team and has a proven track record of success, winning the 2017 World Series MVP with the Houston Astros. He also adds power to an already dangerous lineup, with 174 career home runs.
The Blue Jays also made a splash by acquiring pitcher Steven Matz from the New York Mets. Matz had a rough 2020 season but has shown flashes of brilliance in the past and could be a valuable addition to the starting rotation. Other notable additions include infielder Marcus Semien and pitchers Kirby Yates and Tyler Chatwood.
On paper, these additions seem like great moves for the Blue Jays. However, there are some concerns that need to be addressed before we can fully determine their impact on the team.
Concerns Over Pitching Depth
While the Blue Jays have made some solid additions to their pitching staff, there are still questions surrounding their overall depth. The starting rotation, in particular, has some concerns. Ace Hyun Jin Ryu is coming off a fantastic season, but beyond him, the rest of the rotation is filled with question marks. Nate Pearson, who was expected to be a key starter for the team, is dealing with a groin injury and may not be ready for the start of the season. Other starters like Robbie Ray and Ross Stripling have been inconsistent in recent years and cannot be relied upon to consistently produce quality outings.
The bullpen also has its fair share of concerns. While the addition of Yates brings a proven closer to the team, there are still question marks surrounding the rest of the relief pitchers. Can Chatwood bounce back from a disappointing 2020 season? Will Jordan Romano continue to improve or regress after a breakout year?
Without a solid starting rotation and bullpen, the Blue Jays’ chances of success could be hindered.
Lack of Experience in the Lineup
Another concern for the Blue Jays is their lack of experience in the lineup. While they do have some veteran players like Springer and Semien, the majority of their lineup is made up of young and relatively inexperienced players. While this can bring excitement and potential, it can also lead to inconsistency and struggles, especially in high-pressure situations.
Players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Cavan Biggio are all extremely talented, but they have yet to prove themselves over a full MLB season. Can they handle the pressures and expectations of being everyday starters for a contending team? This remains to be seen.
Tough Divisional Competition
In addition to their own internal concerns, the Blue Jays also face tough competition within their division. The New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays both made the playoffs last season and are expected to be contenders again this year. The Boston Red Sox have also made significant additions to their roster and should not be overlooked. Even the Baltimore Orioles, who finished with a better record than the Blue Jays last season, cannot be taken lightly.
The Blue Jays will have to battle it out against these tough divisional opponents all season long, making their path to the playoffs even more challenging.
The Blue Jays’ 2021 Outlook
With all of these concerns in mind, it’s hard to imagine that the Blue Jays will have an easy road to success in the 2021 season. While their lineup is filled with exciting young talent and their offseason additions bring valuable experience, they still have some major question marks in their pitching staff and lack of overall experience. The tough competition within their division also adds another obstacle for the team to overcome.
Best-Case Scenario: Everything Clicks and the Blue Jays Make a Playoff Run
In a best-case scenario, the Blue Jays’ lineup lives up to its potential, and the pitching staff overcomes any obstacles to have a solid season. Pearson returns from injury and becomes a reliable starter, and the bullpen proves to be strong and consistent. The young players on the team continue to improve and handle the pressures of a playoff race, and the Blue Jays finish with a record of at least 90 wins, securing a spot in the postseason.
While this may seem like a stretch, it is not entirely impossible. The Blue Jays have shown flashes of greatness in the past, and on paper, they have the talent to compete with the best teams in the league. If everything clicks for them this season, they could surprise many and make a deep playoff run.
Worst-Case Scenario: Injuries and Inconsistencies Derail the Blue Jays’ Season
On the other hand, a worst-case scenario would see the Blue Jays struggle with injuries and inconsistencies throughout the season. Pearson’s lingering groin injury turns out to be more serious than expected and keeps him out for a significant portion of the year. The rest of the pitching staff struggles to find consistency, and the young lineup cannot handle the pressures of a full MLB season. As a result, the Blue Jays finish with a record below .500 and miss the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
While this may not be what fans want to hear, it is a possibility that must be considered given the concerns surrounding the team.
Most Likely Scenario: A Competitive Team, But Just Not Quite Ready for a Playoff Run
In all likelihood, the Blue Jays will fall somewhere in between the best and worst-case scenarios. They have the talent to compete and make a push for the playoffs, but they also have some significant obstacles to overcome. The lack of overall experience and depth in their pitching staff, as well as the tough competition within their division, will likely hold them back from making a deep playoff run.
Ultimately, the Blue Jays’ 2021 season will likely be a stepping stone towards future success rather than an immediate breakthrough.
Conclusion: Don’t Get Too Excited for the Blue Jays’ Playoff Chances
As a Blue Jays fan, it’s hard not to get excited about the potential of this team heading into the 2021 season. The additions of veteran players and the continued development of their young core bring a sense of optimism for the future. However, it’s important to temper our expectations and understand that this team still has some major hurdles to overcome before they can be considered legitimate playoff contenders.
The Blue Jays are on the right track, and with some more experience and improvements in their pitching depth, they could become a dominant force in the future. For now, let’s enjoy the ride and support our team as they look to prove the doubters wrong and make a statement in the 2021 season.
