The Toronto Blue Jays went 32-28 last season despite the team being relegated by the Canadian government to play in Buffalo. Whether the Blue Jays will be back at the Rogers Centre this season remains unclear, as travel between the Canadian border remains heavily restricted.
But regardless of where the Blue Jays play in 2021, they will be a competitive team. Whether they will make the playoffs is questionable, but our MLB predictions have some positive things to say about the Blue Jays and where they will finish this season. We don’t expect them to go far enough to where they will reach the playoffs, but they have talent to be competitive.
Looking at the Roster
The most appealing part of the Toronto Blue Jays roster comes from the team’s wealth of young talent. The trio of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Cavan Biggio, and Bo Bichette showed great strides this season. Bichette had a .301 average last season.
Teoscar Hernandez also saw a rise in the outfield, as he went .289 with sixteen home runs. But the offense-friendly confines of Buffalo’s Sahlen Field made it a little easier for him and other players to hit more home runs.
Sahlen Field’s fences are slightly shorter near the poles than what the Rogers Centre features. The team might experience some hitting issues depending on where they play in 2021.
The pitching saw some mixed returns in 2020. Hyun Jin Ryu was a breakout player for the Jays, as he had a 2.69 ERA and more than seventy strikeouts. Robbie Ray and Ross Stripling had ERAs around 6.00 each. These pitchers, plus top prospect Nate Pearson and longtime veteran Tanner Roark, hope they will improve in 2021.
One year ago today, Hyun Jin Ryu joined your #BlueJays 💪
류현진 선수는 특별합니다 🇰🇷 pic.twitter.com/cyj2Jf6jx0
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) December 28, 2020
The bullpen features Rafael Dolis as the team’s main setup man. He saw a breakout season after coming in from Japan, as he had a 1.50 ERA in 24 innings. He might compete with Jordan Romano for the team’s closer position.
Where Will the Blue Jays Finish in Their Division?
We predict the Toronto Blue Jays will finish in third place in the AL East. The Blue Jays have immense talent, but the uncertainty over where the Blue Jays will play in 2021 remains unclear.
They could potentially start the season at the Rogers Centre, or they might have to play the first few months of the season elsewhere. They could potentially play at their spring training site at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Florida. The ballpark’s dimensions are closer to what the Rogers Centre features.
Will the Blue Jays Make the Playoffs?
We do not expect the Toronto Blue Jays to reach the playoffs in 2021. The team’s home ballpark situation is concern of value. The starting pitching rotation will also need extra support this season.
But the Blue Jays have more certainty in their roster than the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles, helping them to get in the middle of the AL East. The Blue Jays have a plan for what the team wishes to do in 2021, especially surrounding building upon the young stars on the current roster.
Manager Charlie Montoyo and the Blue Jays have plenty of high-value players the team can trust for years to come, but it will be tough for them to reach the playoffs this season.
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Image by: Keith Allison
