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Diam⚾️ndBuzz: December 17, 2024

Toronto Blue Jays 2024: High Expectations fall short

The Toronto Blue Jays entered the 2024 season with high expectations and a roster brimming with talent. After a solid 2023 campaign, where they fell just short of a playoff spot, the team set its sights on breaking through and securing a postseason berth. With key acquisitions, several important trades, and a roster full of established stars, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that this would be the year Toronto would make a deep run. Yet, despite their efforts, the Blue Jays fell just short of the playoff line, leaving their fans wondering what could have been and what might still be done to get over the hump in 2025.

Offseason Moves and Trades: Building for a Strong 2024

The offseason for the Blue Jays started with a sense of urgency. General Manager Ross Atkins, aware of the team’s near-miss in 2023, aimed to make moves that would improve the club in all facets of the game. The team had some decisions to make regarding its roster and the balance between youth and experience.

One of the biggest moves of the offseason was the acquisition of veteran infielder Justin Turner. The 39-year-old slugger, known for his leadership and clutch hitting, was expected to provide stability and experience to a lineup that already boasted some of the league’s brightest stars. Turner, who had spent the previous years with the Boston Red Sox, would fit into the Jays’ designated hitter spot while offering versatility on the field.

In terms of pitching, the Blue Jays worked to solidify their bullpen with the signings of Chad Green and Yariel Rodríguez, both of whom were expected to add depth and reliability to a bullpen that had been one of the team’s weakest links the previous year. Additionally, Kevin Gausman and José Berríos were slated to lead the rotation, with the hope that their consistency would anchor a talented, but at times volatile, starting staff.

While these moves provided optimism, the Jays also had some notable departures. Danny Jansen, the team’s reliable catcher, was traded to the Boston Red Sox as part of a package that brought in Gilberto Batista, a promising minor-league talent. This move was made in part to bolster the team’s depth but also highlighted Toronto's willingness to make bold moves to secure the future of the franchise.

Notable Player Accomplishments

Despite the disappointing finish, there were numerous individual performances worthy of recognition. Chief among them was Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who continued to establish himself as one of the league's premier players. The 25-year-old first baseman posted a stellar .323/.396/.544 slash line, clubbing 30 home runs and driving in 103 RBIs. His 6.2 WAR was a testament to his all-around excellence, and though the Blue Jays didn’t make the playoffs, Guerrero’s performance kept them in the race throughout the season.

Daulton Varsho, who was acquired in a trade the previous offseason, proved to be one of the team's most valuable players on defense. Varsho, known for his strong defense, brought home a Gold Glove in center field and hit 18 home runs, driving in 58 RBIs. His all-around contributions were crucial for the Jays, especially when injuries took a toll on other key players, though he only batted .214.

Bo Bichette, while not at his best offensively hitting only .225, was still a crucial cog in the middle of the infield. His defense was much improved in 2024, and his leadership qualities shone through as he was one of the team’s most consistent performers despite battling injuries.

The team’s pitching staff, though inconsistent at times, saw standout performances from José Berríos and Kevin Gausman. Berríos led the team with 16 wins, posting a solid 3.60 ERA in 32 starts. Gausman, despite some ups and downs, still finished with 14 wins and a 3.83 ERA, showcasing his ability to battle through adversity.

Why the Blue Jays Fell Short

Despite all the positive individual performances, the Blue Jays were unable to make the postseason, and there were several key reasons why.

Inconsistency at Key Positions: One of the most glaring issues for the Blue Jays was their inability to consistently perform at certain positions. Bo Bichette had a down year offensively, hitting just .225, and his defense, while improved, didn’t fully make up for his struggles at the plate. The team also dealt with injuries to players like George Springer, who played in just 145 games. Though he contributed with 56 RBIs, his batting average (.220) and overall offensive production didn’t meet expectations.

Pitching Inconsistencies: While Berríos and Gausman were solid at the top of the rotation, the back end of the staff proved problematic. Chris Bassitt, a key offseason signing, failed to live up to expectations, finishing with a disappointing 10-14 record and a 4.16 ERA. The bullpen, despite the offseason acquisitions, was often shaky, with relievers like Trevor Richards and Zach Pop struggling to find consistent form. In a division as competitive as the American League East, these inconsistencies were costly.

Struggles with High-Leverage Situations: The Blue Jays often found themselves in tight games, but too many times, they came up short in critical moments. Whether it was the lack of clutch hitting or bullpen meltdowns, the Jays seemed to struggle when the pressure was at its highest. In a division where every game matters, these missed opportunities added up.

Competitiveness of the AL East: The American League East continued to be one of the toughest divisions in baseball. The New York Yankees, despite injuries and underperformance from certain players, still fielded a strong team. The Tampa Bay Rays were a model of consistency, and the Baltimore Orioles exceeded expectations. With all of these teams vying for playoff spots, the Blue Jays were left on the outside looking in.

Moves Already Made in the Offseason

The Toronto Blue Jays entered the 2024 offseason with a clear goal: to improve their roster and position themselves as contenders for the upcoming season. Two significant moves were made in December, signaling their commitment to strengthening their infield and bullpen. Here's a look at both transactions and how they could impact the team moving forward.

In a deal with the Cleveland Guardians, the Blue Jays made a bold move to shore up their infield. Toronto traded minor league prospect Nick Mitchell and Spencer Horwitz to Cleveland in exchange for two key pieces: infielder Andrés Giménez and relief pitcher Nick Sandlin.

Andrés Giménez, 26, is a dynamic, young infielder who has made a name for himself as one of the top defensive middle infielders in baseball. Known for his strong arm, quick reflexes, and ability to turn double plays, Giménez's glove will be a welcome addition to Toronto's infield. Offensively, he brings a solid bat, posting a .266 batting average with 17 home runs and 61 RBIs in 2024. His speed and ability to get on base make him a dangerous weapon at the top of the order, and his potential for further development is exciting for a team looking to get younger and more athletic.

Adding Giménez gives the Blue Jays a strong defensive option in the middle infield, potentially pairing with Bo Bichette at shortstop or possibly giving Toronto a better defensive pairing than they've had in recent seasons. His versatility could also provide some flexibility in how manager John Schneider sets up the lineup.

Along with Giménez, Nick Sandlin comes to Toronto as a promising bullpen arm. The 27-year-old right-hander has shown flashes of brilliance with Cleveland, posting a 3.45 ERA in 2024 with 52 strikeouts in 52 innings. Sandlin is known for his ability to induce weak contact and his excellent control, making him an asset in the late innings. His addition gives the Blue Jays another reliable arm to pair with Jordan Romano and others in the bullpen, bolstering a key area that was a focus during the offseason.

This trade represents a strong move for Toronto, as they address a potential area of weakness in the infield while improving their bullpen depth. The acquisition of Giménez provides a long-term solution at second base, while Sandlin helps solidify a bullpen that can be a difference-maker in high-leverage situations.

A few days after the trade, the Blue Jays continued to reinforce their bullpen by signing right-handed reliever Yimi García to a free agent contract. García, 33, has been a reliable option out of the bullpen for several teams over his 10-year MLB career. In 2024, he posted a solid 2.70 ERA with 42 strikeouts in 40 innings for the Miami Marlins.

García's ability to pitch in high-pressure situations and his vast postseason experience make him a strong addition to the Blue Jays' bullpen. Throughout his career, he has established himself as a steady presence on the mound, capable of providing valuable innings in middle relief or even closing games when needed. His low WHIP and ability to limit home runs (with just 4 allowed in 2024) will be particularly beneficial in the hitter-friendly AL East.

The signing of García adds depth to a Toronto bullpen that could use some veteran presence. Along with the addition of Sandlin, García gives the Blue Jays another dependable option, further allowing the team to cover for potential fatigue or injuries to their starting rotation. With a solid bullpen, Toronto will be better equipped to close out games, particularly in close contests that often define playoff positioning in the American League.

These offseason moves suggest that the Blue Jays are serious about staying competitive in the AL East and positioning themselves as a threat for the 2024 postseason. With the additions of Giménez and García, they are looking to improve in key areas, all while maintaining the core of their roster, including star player Vladimir Guerrero Jr. If these moves pay off, the Blue Jays could be in for a memorable season.

Speculation for Further Moves

Looking ahead, the Blue Jays will likely remain active in the trade market and free agent pool. Bo Bichette's inconsistent play at shortstop may prompt the Jays to pursue a potential upgrade in the infield. Daulton Varsho could also be a trade chip if the team looks to address multiple areas of need.

There is also a need for more pitching depth, especially with questions about the reliability of the back end of the rotation. The bullpen, too, will need strengthening, and players like Ryan Yarbrough or Joe Kelly could be potential options to provide stability in late-game situations.

The Blue Jays have the financial flexibility to make significant moves, and with their established core of players like Guerrero, Bichette, and Gausman, they are well-positioned to add the pieces necessary for a successful 2025 season.

2025: Much work remains to be done

The 2024 season for the Toronto Blue Jays was one of near-misses, filled with individual accomplishments but ultimately marked by missed opportunities. While the team showed flashes of brilliance, inconsistency and underperformance in key areas ultimately cost them a spot in the postseason.

The offseason has already seen some promising moves, but much work remains to be done. With the right acquisitions and adjustments, the Blue Jays could very well be back in the playoff picture next season, ready to take on the challenges of one of baseball's toughest divisions. For now, their fans will wait and hope that the moves made this winter will bring them closer to their ultimate goal—a World Series championship.

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