Once more into the North
This was, maybe, supposed to be the Jays’ year. For one of the few times since the days of Jose Bautista, the Toronto Blue Jays were heading into the season strong. Bo Bichette and Vlad Jr. were MVP-level. The rotation had talent. Alejandro Kirk could catch and hit bombs. All they had to do was take their playoff spot.
Well, that didn’t happen.
Vlad’s power evaporated for the first half of the season as he sat on 5 home runs entering June. But from June 1 onwards he launched 25 dingers while slashing .349/.409/.638.
Bo Bichette meanwhile would post OPS values of .577, .731, .526, .370 from April to August. He only played a single game in September so I didn’t include a breakout. This is a guy who hit .298/.339/.476 from 2021-2023. He finished 12th, 11th, and 16th in the MVP voting those years; sure that’s not top two but it’s in the conversation. It was three straight years of greatness, turned into nothing. He’s signed through 2025 and will make $17.6 million in his age-27 season. Vlad, too, is under control for 2025 so another bad first half in Toronto next year and these guys might be on the trading block. And with that, the core is done and it’s on to the next generation.
Tanner Houck is just kinda gutting it through to the end. After three straight 6.0-inning outings he’s gone for 5.0 and 4.0 while battling shoulder soreness. This might be his 2024 finale.
Bowden Francis shut out the Red Sox in Boston a few weeks ago allowing just a single hit over 7 innings.
Richard Fitts will never allow an earned run.
Kevin Gausman has taken some steps back this year. He’s signed for two more at $23 million per year. What could Andrew Bailey do with him if the Jays decide to spend their money elsewhere this offseason?
Probable Starting Pitchers
Monday 9/23: Tanner Houck (3.21 ERA / 3.31 FIP) vs Chris Bassitt (4.16 ERA / 4.00 FIP)
Tuesday 9/24: Brayan Bello(4.49 ERA / 4.23 FIP) vs Bowden Francis (3.47 ERA / 4.47 FIP)
Wednesday 9/25: Richard Fitts (0.00 ERA / 3.23 FIP) vs Kevin Gausman (3.91 ERA / 3.78 FIP)
Where and How to Watch
Monday 9/23: 7:07 PM ET on WEEI and NESN.
Tuesday 9/24: 7:07 PM ET on WEEI and NESN.
Wednesday 9/25: 7:07 PM ET on WEEI and NESN.