(Toronto) With the disappointment of a quick exit from the opening round of the playoffs long gone, a sense of confidence swirled around the Toronto Blue Jays’ training camp this year.
This feeling is easily explained. There’s good reason to be bullish about a team that made some defensive improvements in the off-season to support a young core that hasn’t yet peaked.
The puzzle pieces look set for a great season and a playoff berth. Now, the goal is to deliver the goods on the 162-game season and advance to the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
“There are no limits,” said right-hand pitcher Kevin Gausman. “It’s just putting it all together. »
Recently, however, it hasn’t been easy to achieve. Optimism was also high last year, but a 92-win season only earned the Blue Jays a playoff berth as a draft team.
The Seattle Mariners would then win a best-of-three series, shutting out the Blue Jays with a 10–9 victory after being down seven points.
It was the second time in three years that the Blue Jays had not won a playoff game.
During the offseason, general manager Ross Atkins focused his efforts on two main goals: reducing the number of runs allowed and increasing the depth of his left-handed hitting group.
Regular outfielders Teoscar Hernandez and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. were traded, as well as the Gabriel Moreno prospect. Daulton Varsho, Kevin Kiermaier and Brandon Belt joined the Toronto roster.
It’s never easy to let go of powerful punchers and up-and-coming players. But the team’s window of success hinges on the present, and Atkins felt the time was right to act.
During a recent meeting with media representatives, Atkins said he likes his team’s versatility and balance.
“Furthermore, (I’m) very excited about the additions that we think can have a positive impact in relieving pressure on our youthful core. […] It really puts us in a healthy position to be competitive and take another step forward. »
One of the Blue Jays’ main goals in 2023 will be to reach the playoffs without having to go through the first round.
However, if the Blue Jays hope to clinch their first American League East title since 2015, they will need to avoid the defensive hiccups that plagued them last year.
“We have to learn from our mistakes and learn from our failures,” acknowledged shortstop Bo Bichette.
The Blue Jays have some of the best young players in major league baseball in Bichette, including ace Alek Manoah and first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
George Springer, who ranks No. 1 on the batting list, has plenty of playoff experience, and Matt Chapman is rock solid at third base.
Stopper Jordan Romano is the mainstay of a solid bullpen, while Danny Jansen and Alejandro Kirk form a quality tandem behind the plate.
Newcomer Chris Bassitt joins a strong starting rotation of pitchers led by Manoah and Gausman, which also includes Jose Berrios and Yusei Kikuchi.
Hyun-Jin Ryu, who underwent Tommy-John surgery last year, could return to action later this season.
It will also be coach John Schneider’s first full season. He signed a three-year contract in the offseason after leading the team to a 46-28 record (. 622). Schneider had replaced Charlie Montoyo, who was fired last July.
“We want to be one of the best teams in the sector. We want to be one of the best teams in our sport and we want to have a long playoff run.”
Expect Schneider to opt for more speed on the trails. Wider pads will be used this season, which could lead to more steal attempts and more sprints from first to third base.
The Blue Jays kick off their season Thursday in St. Louis against the Cardinals. The home opener will be on April 11 at a renovated Rogers Center, with new dimensions in the outfield and an asymmetrical fence that has been brought closer in some sections and raised in others.
