Blue Jays: If healthy Devon Travis could be a difference maker in 2018

Anyone who follows the Toronto Blue Jays has agonized over the gut-wrenching card that second baseman Devon Travis has been dealt early on in his snakebitten major league career however if Travis can find a way to remain on the field, he could be a difference maker for the Jays in 2018.

Devon Travis is one of the most likable, grounded guys in the sport and unfortunately, his talent and what he can bring to the ball club often gets somewhat overlooked due to the number of injuries and games he has missed throughout his career.

Make no bones about it, Devon Travis is a very good ball player and one that could not only solidify but pace the Blue Jays offence atop the order. When Travis is dialed in he is arguably the best doubles, gap to gap hitter in the Jays lineup.

Last May before he was once again sidelined with a nagging knee injury, Travis connected for 16 doubles in a 26 game span including 6 doubles in three games. During that month last season the 26-year old hit .364/.373/.646 with 20 extra base hits (16-2B and 4-HR) in 103 plate appearances.

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Devo has only managed to suit up for 213 games in his first three seasons in the majors but still owns a .292/.331/.462 line with 24 homers and 64 doubles including a 6.0 WAR. This is the type of production the Jays need on the field.

Travis spoke at the Blue Jays Winterfest during the Q&A portion of the event and confirmed that he feels good and has had no setbacks, he also took the time to thank all the Blue Jays training staff who have spent countless hours rehabbing him back to health over the course of the various ailments he has had to deal with. Travis appears in a good frame of mind with his unfortunate injury fate commenting that he cannot control things that have happened in the past and as difficult as it has been he has to move on and get better.

Although not your prototypical leadoff hitter speed wise, Travis slots in the top spot nicely when healthy and firing on all cylinders. The Blue Jays have added some insurance pieces this offseason in the likes of Aledmys Diaz and Yangervis Solarte in the event that Devo gets bitten again by the injury bug as there are still some longevity questions surrounding his repaired knee.

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The Jays are better equipped to fill the void however if healthy he is the straw that should stir the Blue Jays drink on offence. Hopefully, this is the season that Devo can finally put all the potential to good use and help bring a winner to Toronto.