The Toronto Blue Jays are entering the 2024 baseball season with high expectations, yet early assessments suggest they are underperforming. For a team that has consistently maintained a top 10 payroll in Major League Baseball over the past three years, this underachievement is particularly concerning for fans in Toronto, the fourth-largest metropolitan area in North America.
One of the prime disappointments for the Blue Jays in 2024 has been the performance of Bo Bichette. Once a pillar of the team's offensive strength, Bichette has struggled this season, recording a batting line of .225/.277/.322. These numbers translate to a 71 OPS+ and a -0.3 WAR, a sharp decline from his impressive 4.9 WAR just a year prior in 2023.
The challenges don't stop with Bichette. Kevin Gausman, whose injury woes began during spring training, and Jordan Romano, who has been plagued with elbow issues, have both struggled to contribute to their full potential this season. These injury troubles have hampered the rotation and bullpen, further complicating the Blue Jays' efforts to find their footing in a competitive league.
Despite these challenges, the Blue Jays are looking to the future. The organization has shown interest in signing power-hitting outfielder Juan Soto in the offseason, a move that could revitalize their batting lineup and bring much-needed star power to the team. Adding Soto could pair well with the existing talents of players like Daulton Varsho, known for his versatility, and Spencer Horwitz, who has demonstrated potential in his hitting capability.
Contractual commitments also play a significant role in the Blue Jays’ future planning. José Berríos is on the books for a hefty annual salary of $24.71 million in both 2027 and 2028. Meanwhile, George Springer remains under contract through 2026. Despite these financial commitments, Toronto's salary obligations are more manageable by 2026, projected at $65.9 million. This financial flexibility could be crucial for making strategic acquisitions or extending key player contracts to bolster the team's competitiveness.
The Blue Jays' ability to navigate their current struggles while planning strategically for the future will be key. Alejandro Kirk, who is the same age as Bichette, represents one of several young talents that Toronto might rely on for stability and growth moving forward. These players’ development could determine how quickly the Blue Jays bounce back to being postseason contenders.
In this high-stakes industry, every decision counts, and for the Toronto Blue Jays, the next few months will be crucial in setting the tone not only for this season but for the years to come. The interest in Juan Soto, the performance rebalancing from players like Bichette and Gausman, and the strategic handling of financial commitments all tie into their aspirations of reclaiming a place among baseball’s elite teams. It will be a test of management's vision, the players' resilience, and the organization's readiness to adapt to challenges both on and off the field.