Blue Jays vs A.L. East: Positional Rankings As of 15 Nov

Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

SHORTSTOPS

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This is the position where the Jays made their biggest jump in recent years. In two trades, they went from having one of the most obscure SS in MLB to one of the top 3-4. If he stays healthy for the majority of the season, Tulo gives the Toronto Blue Jays a big edge at SS. Bogaerts will be giving Tulo his best competition, and the Rays obtained Miller in hopes that the best is yet to come for him. He does have pop in his bat. Meanwhile, I think the Yankees were hoping for more offensive output from Didi when they traded for him, but with his getting closer to his prime, he could also surprise many in 2016.

Side Note: The Orioles played Machado at SS often at the end of 2015. I’m not saying he’ll begin the season there as of today, but if they can acquire a 3B – a FA or someone like David Wright – he could shift to the position he grew up playing. If he does, he becomes the best SS in the A.L. East, without contest.

Ranking: 1. Tulowitzki, 2. Bogaerts, 3. Hardy, 4. Miller, 5. Gregorius

Next: How Does the Hot Corner Stack Up?