This offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays have made a clear statement to the rest of the MLB.
Recognizing a chance to compete in the American League East, the organization has decided to go all in this offseason.
They have made a variety of moves to boost different parts of their team.
This was headlined by the blockbuster signing of outfielder George Springer to a six-year, $150 million contract.
FOUR all of you who were wondering… pic.twitter.com/45ReLGatOf
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) January 27, 2021
The Blue Jays also made another move for their starting lineup.
This was the surprising signing of infielder Marcus Semien.
Now, with this influx of free agent talent, the Blue Jays head into 2021 with a new look lineup.
Here is how it looks heading into the season.
Blue Jays 2021 Starting Lineup
If the 2021 season were to start today, here is what the Blue Jays lineup would look like.
- George Springer, OF
- Marcus Semien, 2B
- Bo Bichette, SS
- Teoscar Hernandez, OF
- Valdimir Guerrero Jr., 1B
- Cavan Biggio, 3B
- Lourdes Gurriel Jr., OF
- Rowdy Tellez, DH
- Danny Jensen, C
RotoChamp projects this lineup to put on an impressive display of power next season.
According to them, the prediction is that the Blue Jays will have seven players with at least 20 home runs.
This puts them in historic company, as they would have the second most 20 home run hitters in MLB history.
Springer provides them with a superstar talent at the top of the lineup.
He will serve as the face of the franchise and will likely have the play to back it up.
Semien may prove to be one of the most underrated signings of this offseason if he is able to return to form.
In 2018, the then Athletics shortstop finished third in the AL MVP voting.
The @BlueJays add another bat.
INF Marcus Semien is reportedly heading to Toronto, per @JonHeyman. pic.twitter.com/e6xz4z4Dk6
— MLB (@MLB) January 26, 2021
Outside of these newcomers, the Blue Jays will be bolstered by an additional year of development for their young talent.
Bichette, Guerrero Jr. and Biggio have all shown glimpses of their potential throughout their young careers.
If they can take the next step, this offense could be elevated to another level.
Hernandez is another part of their lineup that shouldn’t be overlooked, as he had a breakout year in 2020.
With all of these bats put together, the Blue Jays have established themselves as contenders in the AL.
The biggest question will now be their pitching staff.
Pitching Concerns
The Blue Jays downfall will come from their pitching this season.
While Hyun-Jin Ryu is a proven and consistent star, the rest of their rotation either contains question marks, inconsistency, or youth.
REMINDER: Hyun Jin Ryu led the Majors with a 2.32 ERA last season! 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/l2tUXxUoxK
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 26, 2020
Robbie Ray is a veteran left-hander that has shown the ability to be a good pitcher.
However, he had an abysmal 2020.
Nate Pearson has the potential to develop into a rotational ace, but he will still go through the growing pains of being a young pitcher.
Their bullpen was strengthened with the addition of Kirby Yates but is pretty weak beyond that.
While they were quietly good last year, much is still to be proven from that group.
It will be an interesting year for the Blue Jays: they are shaping up to once again make a competitive run in the AL East.
While the Yankees will still be a difficult wall to climb, their recent moves have put them ahead of the Rays heading into the season.
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Amberly Cadenhead says
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