Blue Jays 2015 Year End Awards: Best Hitter

2015 Blue Jays Best Hitter: Josh Donaldson

What hasn’t been said about the debut season Donaldson had for the Blue Jays? It’s already been declared MVP-caliber by this awards committee. He was the league leader in runs batted in and runs scored. He sported a .297 average and smashed 41 home runs, while racking up an MLB-leading 352 total bases. Donaldson was the most productive #2 hitter the majors have seen in years. The question is, if he is left on his own, can Donaldson produce the same kind of numbers?

If his bash brothers of Encarnacion and Bautista are allowed to fly the nest after 2016, Donaldson is going to be counted on to deliver all the offense without the same kind of protection he was afforded this season and next. He was up to the task in Oakland, having heavy hitters like Stephen Vogt and Jonny Gomes behind him.

Troy Tulowitzki would be the primary filler of that role should the Blue Jays be without their long-time sluggers, but if he can not rediscover his Colorado contact, then Donaldson will not see any of the fat fastballs over the plate that he was able to feast on. In times of drought, the Bringer of Rain will need to adjust his swing to drive balls that he might have laid off in prior times.

Next: Who did Jays Journal name the Blue Jays Most Improved Player?

Until that time comes, Donaldson is free to celebrate his second J.J. YEA of 2015.