After what was ultimately a disappointing season for the only remaining team north of the border, 2025 needs to (and should be) better. A few additions have been made, showing that this team is trying to make a difference, but the real show-stealer is who they have not been able to woo to Toronto. Finishing what appeared to be second to the Dodgers in the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes definitely hurts, but it is really hard to know if anyone else really had a chance. Sometimes, at least for a fan base, it is better to just not be in the conversation at all than to lose out at the last minute.
The Three Veterans
Let us start with the starting rotation, a crew that finished in the bottom 10 in the Majors in ERA last season. A trio of veterans, led by ace Kevin Gausman, will return. Gausman replicated his durability from prior seasons, reaching exactly 31 starts in the last 3 seasons. He did post his highest ERA (3.83) since his career-worst 2019 season and saw an uncharacteristic drop-off in K/9 innings. This may be something to keep an eye on in 2025, as Gausman is entering his age-34 season. Behind Gausman, former All-Star’s Jose Berrios and Chris Bassitt. Berrios, who has had back-to-back solid years after his disastrous 2022, showed no signs of slowing down as the season came to a close. Even as Toronto spent the majority of August/September out of the race, Berrios had a 2.73 ERA in his last 7 games. Also returning into the fold is former A’s and Met’s arm Chris Bassitt. Bassitt, who had his first season with more losses than wins since 2018 last season, will need to bounce back in a considerable way. He remained healthy, surpassing 30 starts and 170 innings, but posted his worst ERA (4.16) since 2016. A solid season from the Bassitt, Berrios and Gausman will keep the Jays alive, at least in the wild card conversation. They will however, need more than the aging trio to make a real statement.
Continuing the Breakout?
To solve that problem, enter Bowden Francis. After a phenomenal 2024 (paired with a phenomenal 2023 out of the bullpen) the 6’5″ righty may be ready to show the American League that he is no flash in the pan. Francis wound up pitching his way to win the AL Pitcher of the Month for August of 2024, an award that takes more than one or two starts to win. It takes you being at your best, better than the rest, for a full month’s work (self-explanatory by the title of the award).
Next Man Up
Currently, with Alek Manoah out until what seems like the summer, Yariel Rodriguez seems to be the front runner for the 5th spot in the rotation. Rodriguez posted a 4.47 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP in first season of MLB action, struggled to get in the Win column, finishing with a 1-8 record. He averaged about a strikeout per inning across 21 starts and 86 innings.
Now, picture this. A year of Bowden at his best. The veterans hold their own and do what they have all proven to be able to do. That’s already a solid start to a rotation that can get you into games and give an offense, who needs to step up an opportunity to do so.
The Bullpen
The statistics do not lie. The 2024 Blue Jays had a really bad showing from their bull pen. The Jays made a splash for Jeff Hoffman, coming off back to back successful seasons, who is expected to be their closer. Hoffman was actually drafted by Toronto, in the first round in 2024. Chad Green and Yimi Garcia expect to set him up, and offer some closing experience in late innings with high leverage. Nick Sandlin, who has spent all of his MLB career in Cleveland, also joins the Blue Jays, and he has offered a 3.21 ERA over nearly 200 career innings. For depth, the Jays have former Milwaukee starter Eric Lauer in their minor league system. The lefty has shown glimpses of talent and success at the Major League level, and figures to make an appearance at some point during the long baseball season.
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