The Toronto Blue Jays are on the cusp of a pivotal moment in their season, and it's time to assess their true potential. With a wave of key players returning from injury, including starting pitchers Dylan Cease and Max Scherzer, the team is poised to field a fully healthy roster for the first time since April. But is it solely the absence of these players that has led to the team's mediocre 32-35 start? ESPN's Buster Olney delves into this question and more during his appearance on TSN1050's First Up.
The Struggles of the Stars
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Blue Jays' season so far has been the performance of their star players, particularly Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer. Despite Guerrero's confident assertion that "things are going to go my way," his stats tell a different story. With just three home runs and a .368 slugging percentage, it's a far cry from his historic playoff performance last year, where he finished with an impressive 1.289 OPS and was named ALCS MVP. Olney believes Guerrero's confidence is justified, given his track record, and predicts a potential turnaround.
On the other hand, Springer's struggles are more concerning. Dealing with a toe injury in April and May, he has failed to replicate his impressive 2025 season, where he finished seventh in MVP voting. His current batting average of .202 and on-base percentage of .283 are cause for alarm, especially as he continues to bat leadoff. Olney suggests that the Blue Jays may need to consider lineup changes, but for now, they're biding their time due to their position in the standings.
Lineup Shifts and Utility Players
One player who has benefited from the Blue Jays' struggles is utilityman Ernie Clement. With a .309 batting average and leading the American League in hits and doubles, Clement has been a bright spot for the team. Olney believes Clement's experience in the postseason and the World Baseball Classic has contributed to his growth. He suggests that when Alejandro Kirk returns from injury, Clement could be moved up in the batting order, potentially even behind Guerrero, to help protect him and give him more opportunities to hit.
Trade Deadline Decisions
As the Blue Jays prepare for the trade deadline at the end of July, they must assess their needs and priorities. Olney highlights the potential availability of elite starting pitchers like Freddy Peralta, Tarik Skubal, Joe Ryan, and Sandy Alcantara, should their respective teams continue to struggle. However, the team must first evaluate their performance with a healthy roster before making any decisions. As Olney puts it, "We just don't know exactly what their needs are going to be yet because we need to know, as the reinforcements arrive, what kind of shape are they going to be in?"
A Season of Uncertainty
The Toronto Blue Jays' season has been a tale of two halves so far. With a mix of injuries, underperformance, and unexpected bright spots, the team is at a crossroads. As they welcome back key players and assess their true potential, the upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining their fate. Will the Blue Jays rise to the occasion and make a playoff push, or will their struggles continue? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this team is far from finished, and their story is still being written.
