For a while at least, we can forget about the ones who got away, not to mention the two big names that seem likely to be exiting following the 2024 season.
Yes, it’s difficult not to obsess about the Blue Jays’ struggles to attract and lock up elite talent over the past two off-seasons, especially given the players they were “in” on. Pile that on to the incredulity that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette are about to enter their walk years and there’s no shortage of gripe material.
But is it also possible that general manager Ross Atkins had a more productive off-season than many want to give him credit for? There certainly is a quiet optimism around the Jays this spring, especially when analyzing the potential upside of the GMs acquisitions.
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Does much have to go right for the new guys to help the team turn a corner back towards contention? Of course. But in the case of each of our top 5, the potential upside is notable.
Recognizing the calendar still shows February and the season opener still is a month away, here’s a quick-hit dose of optimism at the new boys in Blue.
ANDRES GIMENEZ
Yes, one of the best defenders in the game immediately will be a game-changer in the Jays infield and thus has an opportunity to have a huge impact. Groundball pitchers will love what he does, the throws to Guerrero at first base will be easier to navigate and an already-solid defence will be that much better.
What could go right: The defence speaks for itself and Gimenez will make those around him better. You hate to read too much into Game 4 of the Grapefruit League schedule, but the fact that Gimenez was hitting leadoff on Wednesday is a hint of what awaits should the Venezuelan should he be able to resuscitate some offence. His speed on the basepaths is elite and, if he’s on base, suddenly the power bats below him become that much more lethal and productive.
What could go wrong: If Gimenez is a liability at the plate, manager John Schneider might not be able to keep him high in the order and the Jays would then be paying a lot for a defence-first dude. The ceiling, however, is much more enticing than any worries about his floor.
ANTHONY SANTANDER
Sure, the Jays may have at least slightly overpaid on the five-year, $92.5-million US deal and, sure, he has flaws as a hitter. But Santander has proven power, a void the Jays have been craving since Teoscar Hernandez was unceremoniously run out of town shortly after the 2022 season.
What could go right: Let’s start with a fun fact regarding that big bat: With home run totals of 44, 28 and 33 in the past three seasons, Santander would have been the Jays’ team leader in the long ball department for each of them. Those 105 dingers are 17 more than Vladdy, who led the team in each of those seasons. Paired with Guerrero in the order, it’s a one-two punch the Jays desperately need.
What could go wrong: There can be a fair bit of swing-and-miss in Santander’s game and, in that sense, some ugly at-bats. He’s hardly a Grade A defender. but Santander (who has been away from camp clearing up visa issues) was brought here for one big and powerful reason.
MAX SCHERZER
Assuming his arm doesn’t fall off — and that 34-pitch, two-inning, four-strikeout performance in his debut on Tuesday was a brilliant sign of what might come — the Jays may have one of the sneaky-best acquisitions of the off-season. Can he show some of the brilliance of the past? It’s possible. It’s also likely that his competitiveness will be a source of inspiration for every pitcher on the roster.
What could go right: If you’re willing to toss the injury-riddled 2024 campaign that limited him to just nine starts with the Rangers last season, there is so much upside. The elite swing-and-miss ability that has allowed him to win Cy Young Awards in both leagues is still part of the arsenal, as is the fierce Mad Max competitive persona. Tough to bet against all that.
What could go wrong: The only significant issue with Scherzer, it would seem, is health. But as that Tuesday outing showed and his vows that he had a completely normal off-season encourage us that it isn’t an issue — at the end of February anyway.
JEFF HOFFMAN
One of the more compelling storylines of the Jays season will be the rebuilt bullpen and the man who was signed to a three-year, $33-million US deal is most prominent on the marquee of that production. Hoffman is the de facto closer and a bet by the Jays that he can be the explosive shut-down guy they invested in.
What could go right: The front office walked (make that ran) from previous closer Jordan Romano for a reason. Those reasons aren’t being shared, of course, but it’s clear that they saw more upside in Hoffman than Romano. Matching the form of last season in which he piled up 89 strikeouts over 66.1 innings with a 2.17 ERA could yield massive dividends. The stuff is elite.
What could go wrong: As dominant as Hoffman was last season, he has just 12 saves in his career, 10 of those with the Phillies in 2024.
YIMI GARCIA
While technically not a new guy, given that he started each of the previous three seasons with the Jays, bringing Garcia back on a two-year, $15-million US deal was an excellent move by Atkins.
What could go right: There were times in his overworked 2024 campaign that Garcia was the man at the back end of the bullpen, yet another glimpse at the flexibility of the high-leverage options he can fill.
What could go wrong: At age 34 and with that explosive right arm, health always is going to be a fear, especially after a year in which he had two separate stints on the injured list, including one for elbow inflammation that ended his season with the Mariners.