2023-24 MLB Offseason Recap: Toronto Blue Jays

For the second straight season, the Blue Jays got bounced in the AL Wild Card round. Last season, the Jays came into the year with high expectations but their offense didn’t live up to the hype. Heading into 2024, that group will look different. Here’s our Blue Jays offseason recap.

Notable Additions

Toronto’s offense wasn’t as strong as compared to 2022. The Jays did have the eighth-best wRC+ (107) in 2023, a figure that was down from 2022 (117), when Toronto finished second in that category.

To address offseason losses, the Jays added Justin Turner, who hit .353 with two home runs against Toronto last season. The ageless wonder hit very well for Boston in 2023, as he cranked 23 home runs and posted a .800 OPS.

The Blue Jays also added Cuban right-handed pitcher Yariel Rodriguez to a multi-year deal. Rodriguez has good pure stuff, including a mid-90s fastball and a solid slider. However, command issues could be the difference between whether he’s a reliever or a starter long-term.

Additionally, the Blue Jays added Daniel Vogelbach and Eduardo Escobar to Minor League deals. Now, a look at the subtractions part of our Blue Jays offseason recap.

Notable Subtractions

The addition of Turner replaces Brandon Belt, who had multiple IL trips last season but did have his most plate appearances (404) in a full season since 2019. Belt hit well, as he hit 19 home runs and posted a strong .369 OBP for Toronto last season.

Toronto also lost Jordan Hicks to the Giants in free agency. Hicks had a resurgence in 2023, even though his pure plus stuff was always there. The righty played a key role for the Jays in the summer but Hicks now gets his chance to be a starter again with the Giants.

Hicks wasn’t the only ex-Jay to head to San Francisco, as Toronto also lost former Gold Glover Matt Chapman to the Giants. Chapman hit incredibly well over the first month but his produced tailed last season after April.

Hyun Jin Ryu, who came back to pitch the final two months of 2023 after Tommy John surgery recovery, returned to Korea this past winter.

What to Expect in 2024

While there is an argument that Toronto should have targeted more offensive help, including re-signing Matt Chapman or bringing in Cody Bellinger, the Jays need their bats on the roster to be better for 2024.

Bo Bichette was as good as advertised in 2023 and the returning Kevin Kiermaier also had a solid offensive year in 2023. However, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who admitted to playing hurt last season, had his production drop, as did George Springer. Daulton Varsho belted 20 home runs in his first season with Toronto but only recorded a .674 OPS.

Obviously, a healthy rotation will be key in 2024, as well. But if Toronto wants a shot at winning the AL East, their stars need to be stars.