(Toronto) After a busy offseason, Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said his team has narrowed the gap to other title contenders in the American East Division.
Posted yesterday at 8:02 p.m.
If you can draw any conclusions from last year’s results, the Blue Jays didn’t have much of a backlog to fill.
Despite the Blue Jays playing at home in three different cities, the Toronto squad went 91-71 in 2021, going 25-11 after finally returning to the Queen City.
They led Major League Baseball with a team-record 262 homers, 48 of which were produced by young star Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who shared the MLB lead on that record.
Despite everything, the Blue Jays saw their season end in a fish tail when they finished with a victory over the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox in the race for the playoffs in the American. All three teams won on the final day.
“A game is heartbreaking,” outfielder George Springer said. For us to go through this, especially on the last day of the season, it leaves a bitter taste. »
It was especially with this disappointment in mind that manager Charlie Montoyo knew his players would be ready for spring camp.
“They are starving,” Montoyo said. I like this aspect of our club. He is determined. »
Getting so close to the goal has been a big hit for the troops, especially shortstop Bo Bichette, who spent the entire offseason with former star Troy Tulowitzki.
“That’s what the best teams do, they are more prepared than anyone,” said Bichette. Their players keep working even when they feel exhausted. This is what we are trying to replicate here. »
Things to watch this season
The Blue Jays lost two important cogs during the free agency period. 2021 Cy Young winner Robbie Ray signed with the Seattle Mariners while infielder Marcus Semien joined the Texas Rangers. The Blue Jays also lost pitcher Steven Matz.
Atkins filled the positions by signing right-handed pitcher Kevin Gausman for five years ($110 million). Left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi has also agreed to the terms of a three-year, $36 million pact.
The Jays also lined up their infield by acquiring three-time Golden Glove winner Matt Chapman to play third base. The Toronto squad also signed reliever Yimi Garcia.
During training camp, the Blue Jays traded outfielder Randal Grichuk to the Colorado Rockies for speedy outfielder Raimel Tapia, which will add a left-handed hitter to the Jays’ mostly right-handed roster.
Springer only played 78 games in his first season with the Blue Jays, missing games due to knee, quadriceps and oblique injuries.
This year, he started the season well.
“I’m happy with my situation,” Springer said. I didn’t focus on one thing in particular, I work smart. »
