The Blue Jays have one of the most polarizing teams in the MLB. With guys like Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on their roster, they have a solid foundation. Making the playoffs is one thing, but the Toronto Blue Jays are looking to add some hardware in 2024. Things look promising, but the Blue Jays aren’t the favorite in the AL East.

Where were they in 2023?

Having made the playoffs for two straight seasons, the Blue Jays looked like a favorite heading into the 2023 season. Things didn’t really go their way. The Daulton Varsho-for-Gabriel Moreno deal was a major fumble and they lost in the American League Wild Card Series. Kevin Gausman didn’t look like an ace, but they did get bounce-back seasons from Yusei Kikuchi and Jose Berrios.

It has yet to be seen what kind of effect losing out in ALWCS will have on this team. Will they lose the momentum that they had built for themselves or will they rally and make a deeper run?

Key Additions

Isiah Kiner-Falefa – He may not hit as many home runs as Matt Chapman did, but Kiner-Falefa is known for more contact and can be a threat on the base path. IKF has created a reputation of being a team player and will complete any challenge thrown at him.

Daniel Vogelbach – The Blue Jays won’t get much contact from Vogey in 2024, but he does provide many home runs. His first 55 games with the Mets were arguably the best stretch of baseball he’s ever played at the major league level. He fell back a little bit in 2023, but still hit above .230.

Joey Votto – Although Votto won’t start the season on the Major League squad, he could be added once he’s ready. The former MVP signed a minor league deal late in the Spring. At 40 years old, this could very well be the last season for Votto but there’s no better way to have retirement season with your home team.

Depth Chart:

Rotation: Berrios, Chris Bassitt, Kikuchi, Bowden Francis, Gausman

Bullpen: CL Yimi Garcia, SU Nate Pearson, SU Genesis Cabrera, Chad Green, Tim Mayza, Trevor Richards, Wes Parsons, Mitch White

Lineup: RF George Springer, 1B Guerrero Jr. SS Bichette, DH Justin Turner, LF Varsho, C Alejandro Kirk, CF Kevin Kiermaier, 3B Kiner-Falefa, 2B Cavan Biggio

Bench: C Brian Serven, DH Vogelbach, INF/OF Ernie Clement, INF/OF Davis Schneifer

Where are they hoping to go?

As mentioned above, the Toronto Blue Jays will be looking to add some hardware in 2024. They honestly didn’t make a single bad move this offseason despite all the Shohei Ohtani drama. If they can hang with the Yankees and Orioles they may have a shot, but I would expect them to make it through the Wild Card again.

Win Projection: 84-86 wins

World Series Odds: +1800 (FanDuel)

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