Blue Jays Award Watch: July

After a fairly good month of May, the Blue Jays got back into mediocrity in June. Despite the record showing that most players weren’t doing their part, there are a few players who have been steadily contributing throughout the season, and who could get award votes come September. 

The Jays had a hard month in June, having a losing record, and not being able to count on certain players. One example is pitcher Marco Estrada. The Jays’ usual consistently good pitcher had a hard month, with a 10.41 ERA, and an 0-4 record. That’s just a sample of the struggles that went on for the Jays. However, a few players shined through, and one even got an All-Star nod.

Most Valuable Player:

Blue Jays Contenders: Justin Smoak,

Off the board from last month: Devon Travis, Kevin Pillar

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Smoak has gotten the support of fans who had once doubted him, by putting up career best numbers in only three months. The people who had once hated on the deal to bring back the first baseman are now looking at that same deal as a steal. The fans came through in All-Star voting, by tabbing him as the starting first baseman. While the starters are a fan vote, Smoak definitely did his part. This season he has a .302 batting average, 22 home runs, and 52 RBIs.

Because of that, his oWAR is doing well, with a 2.4 mark. As I’ve talked about before on these posts, his WAR isn’t as great because of his defence. Thats at a -0.3 dWAR. All together, he has a 2.5 WAR. this puts him on pace to have at least 5.0 WAR by the end of the season. this would get him a few award votes, but puts him on the outside of serious contention.

Cy Young Award

Blue Jays Contenders: Roberto Osuna

Off he board from last month: Marco Estrada, Joe Biagini

Osuna was recently named the AL Reliever of the Month. This is remarkable because of his public battle with anxiety that left him unavailable in a game. He still has an undeniable talent as a closer, that left him with the award. He has a 2.25 ERA, 44 strikeouts, and 19 saves. His saves and strikeouts numbers should be enough to get Cy Young votes, but his ERA needs to get under 1.50, or if possible, under 1.00 to get him into serious contention. Zach Britton had a great season last year, and didn’t win the Cy Young, so it’ll be nearly impossible for Osuna if his ERA isn’t lowered.

Manager of the Year, Rookie of the Year

Blue Jays Contenders: None

Off the board from last month: John Gibbons

Last month, I had Gibbons as a possible candidate, while the Jays were looking better, but after June, the Jays, and Gibbons are back to the bottom. There’s no way Gibbons wins if the Jays don’t make the playoffs.

Next: Blue Jays' Stroman a trade target: Olney

This is the lowest total for award contenders in a month, with only two. Hopefully the Jays can get back to playing good baseball, and back to the playoffs.