The Toronto Blue Jays, at this point, are the favorites to win the AL East.
They were already very good last year, when they missed the postseason by just one game, and they look even better in 2022.
They may be the best team in a division that also includes the Tampa Bay Rays, the New York Yankees, and the Boston Red Sox.
Part of the reason why they are so solid is their offense.
They lost middle infielder Marcus Semien, but replaced him with All-Star third baseman and elite defender Matt Chapman, who joins a really solid offense that also includes Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, Teoscar Hernandez, Cavan Biggio, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Danny Jansen, Alejandro Kirk, and others.
Springer Is One Of Toronto’s Key Players
Everybody knows that Guerrero and Bichette are the heart of the team, but a third name is right up there with them if we measure importance to the team: George Springer.
The $150 million man remains an incredibly talented player, even at 32.
Through the first six games, Springer is slashing .370/.414/.704 with two home runs.
His postseason experience, where he played many years back when he was a member of the Houston Astros, will come in handy for the Jays.
“George Springer’s importance to the #BlueJays: Since the start of last season, they are 52-32 (.619) when he is in the starting lineup — and 43-41 (.512) when he isn’t. @MLBNetwork @Sportsnet @SNstats,” MLB insider Jon Morosi tweeted on Thursday.
George Springer's importance to the #BlueJays:
Since the start of last season, they are 52-32 (.619) when he is in the starting lineup — and 43-41 (.512) when he isn't. @MLBNetwork @Sportsnet @SNstats
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) April 14, 2022
There, you can see how important he is to the team: Toronto is virtually a .500 team when Springer is absent, but they are among the league’s best when his name is in the lineup.
Hopefully, he can avoid injuries, like the ones that derailed his season last year, and help Toronto reach the postseason.
NEXT: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Did Something His Dad Never Could