(Toronto) With the disappointment of a quick exit from the opening round of the playoffs long gone, a sense of confidence swirled around Toronto Blue Jays training camp this year.
This feeling is easily explained. There’s good reason to be optimistic about a squad that has made some defensive improvements in the off-season to back up a young core that’s yet to fully peak .
The pieces of the puzzle seem in place for a great season and a playoff berth. Now the goal is to deliver the goods in the 162-game season and advance to the first round of playoffs for the first time since 2016.
“There are no limits,” said right-handed pitcher Kevin Gausman. “It’s just about putting it all together. »
Recently, however, it has not been easy to achieve. Optimism was also high last year, but a 92-game season only earned the Blue Jays a playoff berth as a draft team.
The Seattle Mariners would then sweep a best-of-three series, knocking out the Blue Jays with a 10-9 win after falling seven points.
It was the second time in three years the Blue Jays had gone without winning a playoff game.
During the offseason, general manager Ross Atkins directed his efforts towards two major goals: reducing the number of runs allowed and adding depth to his left-handed hitting group.
Regular outfielders Teoscar Hernandez and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. were traded, as was prospect Gabriel Moreno. Daulton Varsho, Kevin Kiermaier and Brandon Belt have 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 make a move.
In a recent meeting with media representatives, Atkins said he likes the versatility and balance within his squad.
“On top of that, (I’m) really excited about the additions that we think could have a positive impact in easing the pressure on our young core. […] It really puts us in a healthy position to be competitive and take another step forward. »
One of the main goals for the Blue Jays in 2023 will be to make the playoffs without going through the opening round.
However, if the Blue Jays hope to claim their first American League East title since 2015, they will need to avoid the defensive hiccups that were too many 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, pitching ace Alek Manoah and first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
George Springer, who sits first in the batting roster, has plenty of playoff experience, and Matt Chapman is rock solid at third base.
Stopper Jordan Romano is the mainstay of a strong bullpen while Danny Jansen and Alejandro Kirk form a quality tandem behind the plate.
Newcomer Chris Bassitt joins a strong starting pitching rotation led by Manoah and Gausman, which also includes Jose Berrios and Yusei Kikuchi.
Hyun-Jin Ryu, who underwent Tommy-John-type surgery last year, could return to action later this season.
It will also be manager John Schneider’s first full season. He signed a three-year contract in the offseason after leading the team to a 46-28 (.622) record. Schneider had replaced Charlie Montoyo, fired last July.
“We want to be one of the best teams in the section. We want to be one of the best teams in our game and we want to have a long run in the playoffs,” the Blue Jays manager said.
Expect Schneider to opt for more speed on the trails. Wider cushions will be used this season, which could lead to more steal attempts and more sprints from first to third base.
The Blue Jays open their season this Thursday in St. Louis against the Cardinals. The home opener will take place on April 11, in a remodeled Rogers Center, with new dimensions in the outfield and an asymmetrical fence that has been moved closer in some sections, and raised in others.
