Achi news desk-
There were no roster shakeups, blockbuster trades or impressive free agent signings for the Toronto Blue Jays this past offseason.
The club is essentially running back with almost the same core as last year and hopes that the bats will return to form.
“The mentality is just more excitement,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. “Excited for guys to go back to their norms a little bit offensively. Excitement for the pitching staff to do what they’ve done and find ways to improve.”
The 2023 edition of Canada’s only major league team captured the American League’s final playoff spot but was swept in the wild card round.
The brass tried to land free agent two-way star Shohei Ohtani during the offseason but fell through. The Blue Jays then shifted focus to the foundation that was in place while hoping that a few additions and some tinkering to a team approach will pay off.
The key cogs in the starting rotation were reliable last year and the team’s defense improved significantly. However, offensive play was common and proved to be the team’s undoing in a short two game streak.
Some changes were made to the coaching structure with bench coach Don Mattingly adding offensive coordinator to his title and DeMarlo Hale returning to the club as associate manager.
If the bats deliver and the pitching remains on point, the Blue Jays could contend in the American League East.
“It’s just a complete clubhouse,” said slugger Justin Turner, who signed a one-year deal with Toronto. “I think the starting pitching, the bullpen, the defense, the potential lineup is crazy.
Angry pitching staff
“There aren’t many holes in this room. I’m excited to be a part of it.”
The pitching staff, especially the starting rotation, was durable last season. But spring training this year was not so kind.
Among the starters, Kevin Gausman and Alek Manoah experienced shoulder problems. In the bullpen, Markham, Ont., closer Jordan Romano (elbow) and Erik Swanson (forearm) are also stepping up after arm soreness.
Jose Berrios will start opening day Thursday in Tampa Bay. He will be a key cog in the rotation this season with Gausman, Chris Bassitt and Yusei Kikuchi.
Bowden Francis will have a turn at the start of the campaign after a strong spring. Manoah, Yariel Rodriguez, main provider Ricky Tiedemann will also be options throughout the year.
The bullpen lost Jordan Hicks to free agency but will have Chad Green at the start of the season this time around. Rodriguez, a Cuban right-hander who previously played in Japan, signed a five-year deal and could be used in a variety of roles.
Turner should provide some pop in the middle of the order behind leadoff man George Springer and homegrown stars Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
“He’s going to be playing every game like it’s almost a playoff game,” Green said in a recent interview. “Just playing every game to win, not taking days off and days for granted.
Kiner-Falefa replaces Chapman in 3rd place
“As long as you can do that, that’s setting yourself up for success.”
Third baseman Matt Chapman, a defensive switch who was inconsistent with the bat, was lost to free agency. Closer Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who signed a two-year deal, will likely spend most of his time at the hot corner.
Kevin Kiermaier returned on a one-year deal to keep the outfield trio with Daulton Varsho and Springer intact. With the recent departure of Santiago Espinal via trade, Cavan Biggio and Davis Schneider should see time at second base as part of their utility roles.
Catcher Alejandro Kirk will have an increased workload early while Danny Jansen recovers from a small fracture in his wrist. Brian Serven will serve as backup behind the plate.
A Toronto team in win-now mode will once again have a tough task getting over the hump in a solid East division.
The Baltimore Orioles have a strong young team, added the New York Yankees who spend a lot on superstar Juan Soto, the Tampa Bay Rays are always a challenge and the Boston Red Sox can be a handful as well.
The Blue Jays, who have been swept in the wild card round in three of the last four years, last won a playoff game in 2016.
“We know where we are,” Romano said. “We know there is a sense of urgency.”
The Blue Jays will play their first 10 games on the road. Toronto’s home opener at the newly renovated Rogers Center is April 8 against the Seattle Mariners.
“The little things are going to matter,” Schneider said. “You try to make adjustments every year with what you need to do.”
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