addressing your concerns regarding Vlad Jr., Rodriguez, ‘pen, and other Blue Jays issues.
After reaching an agreement to sign Cuban right-hander Yariel Rodríguez, who offers some significant intrigue and promise to the team, the Blue Jays still have work ahead of them. At the very least, this isn’t the starting lineup Toronto will have when the season kicks off, but free agency is running out.
What was going through your thoughts this week?
Many people said last year that Vladdy had “too much going on in his head” while he was at the bat, and his strategy was undoubtedly all over the place. What do you think they should be doing with Vlad this year to increase their success? — Zinny K.
Simplifying is the goal here, not expanding or diversifying?
In 2023, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. received several voices, both from within and outside the company. Guerrero performs best at the plate when he is at ease and comfortable, approaching at-bats with a hint of delight rather than 95 thoughts.
Not by accident, this was the version of him that took home the 2023 Home Run Derby victory. Guerrero has to reclaim the freedom and aggression that made him so unique in ’21 and as a prospect, but coaching is still essential to his success.
I’m guessing that 100 anecdotes about swing modifications will surface throughout Spring Training, but I won’t trust that story until it produces results during the regular season. First, let’s examine how pitchers counter. Guerrero’s success in 2024 will depend more on his strategy
Ranking of the Top 10 First Basemen: #7
In what capacity might Yariel Rodriguez fit in?
I anticipate Toronto to take its time in this process, gradually establishing Rodríguez as a starter following a year-long hiatus from competitive pitching. In the event that the Blue Jays lose a starter, Rodríguez will need to be prepared to play a part. This might involve a swingman position or possibly some Triple-A experience. Think of him as a starter in 2025 and later, but ’24 may go in a lot of different ways.
Currently, he is one of the three most captivating tales in the camp. Is Rodríguez the wild card on a very fixed roster, outside of the infield depth group?
Is it time to blow up the core, rebuild the system, and try again in four or six years if the Jays underperform this season? — Ryan O.
Windows are the main focus.The Blue Jays may be looking at Guerrero and Bo Bichette’s perhaps last season if 2024 doesn’t go as expected. Danny Jansen has unrestricted free agency. Kevin Gausman and George Springer will be out of business in two years. Chris Bassitt is going to get one. The list is endless.
This is the way these windows actually operate, not a preemptive preparation for the end of the world. After 2024, the Blue Jays will reach a turning point. If they choose to change lanes, there is an off ramp on this roadway.
How do you feel about a reunion with Matt Chapman?
For the Blue Jays to feel comfortable, the contract would need to come in below public expectations; yet, any player may be a good bargain at the appropriate price. Although Chapman is a fantastic defender and was well-liked in the clubhouse, his hitting has to be improved.
Could Toronto improve upon its April performance and extract more from Chapman, or were the last few months of 2023 a warning? For the Blue Jays, Chapman’s term should be more important than money given the danger.
How’s their bullpen coming together? Which prospects are favored or underdogs to win on Opening Day?
Jordan Romano, Erik Swanson, Yimi García, Tim Mayza, Chad Green, Genesis Cabrera, Trevor Richards, and one unfilled space are the players I would predict to be in the game today. The most important factor in all of this is, of course, Rodríguez, as the Blue Jays may use him in a lengthy relief role in his debut.
Although there are some periphery players, like Nate Pearson, and some potential players, like Connor Cooke, it would be wiser to add a multi-inning arm to the pen early in the season. Additionally, I think Bowden Francis will be much more involved this year than most people anticipate. He is a real major league player.