There was no roster overhaul, no major transaction or eye-popping contract offer for the services of a star free agent with the Toronto Blue Jays during the off-season.
The Ontario team is essentially the same as last season, with the same core of players. However, she hopes that her sticks will resonate more in 2024.
“Our philosophy is just to be more dynamic,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. “Our players will simply have to be more dynamic, especially in attack. Our launchers will have to maintain their momentum, and continue their progress. »
The only Canadian team in Major League Baseball managed to snatch the last pass giving access to the playoffs in the American League, before being swept away during the series between drafted teams.
Blue Jays management certainly tried to convince free agent Shohei Ohtani to join their ranks during the winter, in vain. The Toronto team then chose to focus on its existing players, adding a few additions, and slight adjustments to the team’s philosophy paid dividends.
The pillars of the Blue Jays’ rotation were reliable last season, and the team’s defense improved significantly. However, the offense has been moribund — never was it more evident than during the Blue Jays’ two-game playoff run last fall. Some adjustments have been made to Schneider’s coaching staff. Bench coach Don Mattingly has added the title of offensive coordinator to his job description, and DeMarlo Hale is back with the team as assistant manager.
If the Blue Jays offense wakes up and the pitchers are as effective as last season, then the team could aspire to the American East section title. “It’s a complete team,” said power hitter Justin Turner, who agreed to a one-year contract with the Blue Jays. “The rotation, the bullpen, the defense and the potential of the offense are incredible. There aren’t many flaws in this locker room. I am very happy to be part of it. »
The mound staff — especially those who make up the rotation — were able to avoid injuries last season. That was not the case this spring.
Among the starters, Kevin Gausman and Alek Manoah were affected by shoulder pain. In the bullpen, the reliever no 1 Jordan Romano (elbow) and Erik Swanson (forearm) are also undergoing a rehabilitation program after experiencing health problems.
Towards the opening match
Jose Berrios will be on the mound for Thursday’s opener against the Rays in Tampa Bay. He will be one of the pillars of this rotation, along with Gausman, Chris Bassitt and Yusei Kikuchi.
Bowden Francis will get a chance to break into the rotation after an excellent training camp. Manoah, Yariel Rodriguez, and prospect Ricky Tiedemann could also be tested down the road.
The bullpen lost the services of Jordan Hicks to the free agent market, but Chad Green will be present this time from the first day of the campaign. Rodriguez, a Cuban right-hander who previously played in Japan, signed a five-year deal and could be called upon to play numerous roles on the mound.
Turner should provide some bite in the middle of the Blue Jays’ batting order, behind George Springer, Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr..
“We’ll have to approach every game like we’re in the playoffs,” Green said in a recent interview. “We will have to play every game to win, avoid taking days off or victories for granted. If we can do that, then we should be successful. »