By Amery Gardiner, published July 1st, 2022
On December 2 2021, the MLB lockout started. No more talks between clubs… players couldn’t sign or be traded… everything froze. Before this, free agency had been in full effect; the Blue Jays managed to sign pitchers Kevin Gausman and Yimi Garcia, but suffered losing all-stars Marcus Semien and Cy Young award winner Robbie Ray. Yet when the lockout started, nearly 300 free agents remained without a team, left to wonder where they would go next. Slowly, spring training crept closer and closer without much hope of an agreement. But on March 10, an agreement was finally reached, sending fans into excitement. After 99 days, MLB and the players’ union reached an agreement to bring baseball back. New rules include a minimum salary increase, a universal DH, a draft lottery, and two more teams in the postseason. But because of this three-month-long delay, spring training will last about four weeks, rather than the usual six, and the regular season will start one week late. Thus the Jays didn't take long to start making deals.
A couple of days into the re-opening, the Blue Jays landed Japanese starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi on a $36 million, three-year agreement. Since star pitcher Robbie Ray left Toronto before the lockout, fans have wondered how the starting rotation would be affected, but with these recent moves, both pre- and post-lockout, the depth and talent of the Jay’s pitching staff looks much better than in previous years. Kikuchi started last season with amazing all-star numbers. He boasted a 3.64 ERA, which in effect, helped him become an all-star. After the all-star break, though, he struggled with control as his ERA dropped down to 5.98. Even with these inconsistent stats, pitching coach Pete Walker believes that he can flip the switch and help Kikuchi get back to his pre-all-star game stats from last year.
On March 16, the Jays pulled off a massive trade. If you follow the Toronto team, you know that their defense struggled immensely last year, specifically third base. So, who would be better to have in the hot corner than a three-time gold glove winner and two-time platinum glove winner? Enter former Athletics third baseman, Matt Chapman. Chapman is considered the best defensive third baseman in all of baseball, boasting a highlight reel of endless remarkable defensive plays. As for his offensive performance, he is mainly a strikeout or homerun type hitter. The Blue Jays will focus on improving his bat, as his defense is already at an elite level. As for what the Jays gave up, four prospect players were dealt but none of the team’s starting lineup was affected. Even with these subtractions, the guaranteed defense the Jays will get for the next two years will be highly valued, as Toronto pitchers created the highest rate of ground balls throughout the 2021 season in the MLB.
Throughout this year’s spring training, some surprising players have emerged as contenders for the 40-man roster. Of course, Guerrero Jr., Springer, and most of the starting lineup have good numbers, but some prospective minor league players surprised us. Orelvis Martinez, the Jay's 20-year-old no. 2 ranked prospect, showed much power with his bat and impressive discipline at the plate, boasting an OPS of 1.323 and a batting average of .308 before being optioned back to minor league camp to continue to develop his skills. In fact, Martinez has played for the Jays Single-A team, the Vancouver Canadians. One of the most surprising players to make the active roster was Gosuke Katoh. He hit an average of .333 and an on-base percentage of .370. (Though keep in mind that these lower-ranked players bat against other low-level pitchers) Those stats helped him land on the same starting day roster as stars Springer, Guerrero Jr, Bichette, and Hernandez. Additionally, he provides a left-handed bat that the Jays desperately need.
Another player who made the 40-man roster was no. 1 ranked Blue Jays prospect Gabriel Moreno. Moreno struggled to get his visa so was only able to get one at-bat during spring training (Pitcher Yimi Garcia also struggled with the same problem). Adding him to the 40-man roster, though, fuels anticipation of his debut in the big leagues this year. The Jays also traded Randal Grichuk to the Rookies for outfielder Raimel Tapia and prospect Adrian Pinto. This trade surprised lots of fans, but it makes sense as it frees up cap space. In fact, Grichuk was making almost $2.5 million more than the 2021 AL MVP runner-up Vladdy Guerrero Jr. In Raimel Tapia, the Blue Jays get a high contact hitter who can also run. Many wonder how he will be used in the lineup, but one could predict that he will be a bench player, occasionally being used as a pinch hitter or runner. The Jays also swapped backup catchers with the White Sox, sending Reese McGuire to Chicago in exchange for Zack Collins
Surely, this team has a great chance of heading to the postseason and even making it to the World Series with a team headlining Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Bo Bichette, George Springer, and many more. High expectations have been set and all are excited to see the Canadian team back in action. Last year the Jays were so close to going to the postseason, but this year is set to be different. Better defense. Better offense. Better pitching. Everything's coming together for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. only created more excitement when he said this during spring training:
“Last year was the trailer, now you guys are going to see the movie.”
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. only created more excitement when he said this during spring training:
“Last year was the trailer, now you guys are going to see the movie.”
