Toronto Blue Jays Embrace 2022 Opening Day Expectations With Talent And Exuberance

The Toronto Blue Jays have assembled a talented ball club defined by youthful exuberance and high expectations. As Opening Day provides baseball fans with an opportunity to make bold predictions, many believe the Blue Jays will sit atop the American League East standings at the conclusion of the 2022 regular season. After 91 victories, they had fallen short of qualifying for the 2021 postseason by one ball game and finished fourth in the ultra-competitive division. As they seek their first pennant since winning the 1993 World Series, some are already envisioning a Fall Classic featuring the Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers. The rebuilding process has demonstrated a commitment to player development and scouting, but also a willingness to make bold decisions when it comes to acquiring and investing in ball players.

The Blue Jays are aware that success in the American League East is predicated on two vastly different business models. As the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees commit to superstar talent with payrolls that frequently surpass the Competitive Balance Tax thresholds, the Tampa Bay Rays rely on innovation and strategy due to limited financial resources. The Blue Jays are adhering to a hybrid approach that perfectly blends financial management and player development given the construction of their current roster.

As free agency led to the departures of left-handed pitcher Robbie Ray and second baseman Marcus Semien, the Blue Jays moved forward and emphasized starting pitching. Right-handed pitcher Jose Berrios signed a seven-year, $131 million contract extension. Free agency presented the Blue Jays with an opportunity to sign right-handed pitcher Kevin Gausman to a five-year, $110 million contract along with a three-year, $36 million contract for left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi. According to Cot’s Baseball Contracts, the Blue Jays have invested $67.7 million in 2022 base salaries for five pitchers who are expected to play a prominent role in the ball club’s starting rotation.

First baseman Vladimir Guerrero, Jr.’s offensive exploits in 2021 were electrifying as he announced the Blue Jays’ arrival as a competitive force throughout Major League Baseball. After earning $605,400 last season, Guerrero, Jr. avoided arbitration in his first year of eligibility and signed a one-year contract worth $7.9 million. According to FanGraphs’ calculation of Wins Above Replacement (WAR), seven ball players had produced at least a 6.0 WAR and performed at a level worthy of the most valuable player award last season. Guerrero, Jr. posted the second highest WAR at 6.7 while the average base salary of the other six ball players was $12.6 million according to Cot’s Baseball Contracts.

Besides Guerrero, Jr.’s dominance, the Blue Jays have high expectations for Bo Bichette. The 24-year-old shortstop appeared in his first All Star Game last season and led the American League in hits (191). He exudes excitement and is considered one of the best offensive shortstops in Major League Baseball. Bichette combines speed and power with a splash of charisma. After 29 home runs and 25 stolen bases over 159 ball games last season, Bichette has the potential of becoming a member of the 30-30 club as this feat hasn’t been accomplished by a Blue Jays ball player since Jose Cruz, Jr. in 2001.

An indispensable asset for the Blue Jays, Bichette’s defense at shortstop has been viewed as an area of improvement. Last season, he committed 24 errors over 1,271.1 innings which was the most for any position ball player in Major League Baseball according to FanGraphs. Metrics such as Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR), and Outs Above Average (OAA) portray Bichette as a below average fielder.

The Blue Jays acquired third baseman Matt Chapman in a trade with the Oakland Athletics and then signed him to a two-year, $25 million contract extension. A three-time Gold Glove Award winner, Chapman will provide defensive stability to the left side of the infield while complementing the Blue Jays’ impressive offense. Chapman’s propensity to strike out and hit for a low batting average might be a concern, but his power and defensive excellence are a welcomed addition.

Cavan Biggio’s value to the Blue Jays might begin with health, but it ultimately rests with versatility. Even though he has a natural comfort playing second base, Biggio could be a huge asset to the Blue Jays if he emulates DJ LeMahieu of the Yankees and embraces the role of a super utility ball player. Now that Chapman will be the everyday third baseman for the Blue Jays, expect to see Biggio spending more time at second base as well as the corner outfield positions and even first base.

The Blue Jays have yet to experience the full impact of center fielder George Springer. After signing a six-year, $150 million contract in January 2021, Springer only played in 78 ball games last season due to multiple injuries and spending significant time on the injured list. The Blue Jays were 48-30 with a +123 run differential when Springer was in the starting lineup.

The Toronto Blue Jays are receiving an inordinate amount of attention as a trendy pick to win the American League East. As intrigue and curiosity surround the Blue Jays, their confidence is fueled by an emphasis on fun while simplifying the process when it comes to preparation and execution. In what might become a mantra for the Blue Jays throughout the 2022 season, Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. eloquently said, “Last year was the trailer. What you are going to see this year is the movie.”