Toronto Blue Jays Best Home Run Hitters of All Time

5 of 7

Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

The previous members of this list came to the Blue Jays in different ways. Vernon Wells is an example of a guy who was drafted and brought up by the Blue Jays. The argument can be made that he just might be one of the last position players to be a sure bet as far as this organization drafting and developing young players goes.

More from Jays Journal

Wells came up to the Blue Jays in 1999, but saw his first full season in 2002. When all was said and done, he would end up with 223 home runs for the Blue Jays, which is good for 3rd all time. His position may be in jeopardy with Encarnacion well within reach, though. But, for now, Wells is one of the best home run hitters this club has ever seen. From 2002 through 2006, he had 5 consecutive season of 23 or more home runs. He hit a career high 33 in 2003.

In December of 2006, Wells signed the richest contract in Blue Jays history (7yrs/$126M) as a reward for his then elite performance. Indeed, he was one of the premier center fielders in the game and was putting up solid numbers at the plate. Wells is a career .270 hitter who only struck out 13.3% of the time. As with Carter, his ISO numbers were never through the roof (career .189) but he had a knack for popping one into the seats often enough that the Blue Jays hoped he’d stick around for a while.

Of course, that contract’s apparent value faded quickly and fans soured on paying him so much. He was getting hurt and his numbers were declining. The GM at the time, Alex Anthopoulos managed to work some magic and unload Wells’ contract to the Angels in a trade in the winter before 2011. While many remember disdain for Wells and his contract, we should not forget the good times. He was a premier hitter and defender for the Blue Jays and ranks as one of the best home run hitters in club history.

Next: Joey Bats in 2nd Place

Home/Blue Jays All-Time Lists