Team Strengths: Toronto finished fifth in the majors in home runs last season. While a lot of that power came with low averages and middling on-base proportions, people should enhance with Danny Jansen taking over at catcher, the looming ascension of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and subtracting Aledmys Diaz and Yangervis Solarte.
Team Weaknesses: The Blue Jays had the fourth-worst ERA in baseball (4.85). The main culprit was the starting rotation, which posted a 5.14 ERA as Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez struggled with injuries, J.A. Happ was traded and Marco Estrada declined. Even though the Blue Jays developed pitching well in the first part of the decade, the well has dried up. The Blue Jays selected a pitcher with their first-round pick in four straight drafts from 2013-16. None of the four are at the majors or rank amongst Toronto’s top 10 prospects.
What They Were About It: The Jays brought in declining veterans Matt Shoemaker and Clayton Richard to round out the rotation. There is depth beyond the starting five with Sean Reid-Foley and potential acquisition Trent Thornton, but projects to be too impactful in the rotation.
Last Outlook: The Blue Jays should have a good offense, especially after Guerrero Jr. comes up, but the lack of arms signifies third place is likely their best-case scenario.
Read more: detroit pistons betting preview