Blue Jays: Don’t sleep on Billy McKinney in 2019

The Toronto Blue Jays spring training facility will be overrun with motivated, goal-oriented youngsters attempting to impress the new skipper and head north with the big club when the team breaks camp at the conclusion of Grapefruit League action. Billy McKinney is no different.

The Blue Jays acquired Billy McKinney along with Brandon Drury from the New York Yankees in exchange for J.A. Happ at the trade deadline. The oft-traveled McKinney boasts a ton of upside and has a real chance for a breakout campaign in 2019.

The 24-year old will look to win the starting left-field job out of spring training over Teoscar Hernandez, with Kevin Pillar and Randal Grichuk being the other two locks. Rookie Anthony Alford has an outside shot, but would need an impressive spring to force the conversation.

McKinney showed signs of promise in his cup of coffee with Toronto last season after the trade. The outfielder displayed an ability to hit the ball to the gaps with authority slashing 13 extra base hits in 36 games. McKinney hit .252/.320/.470 with six homers in 128 plate appearances and hit leadoff more often than not for former skipper John Gibbons.

I recently had an opportunity to ask McKinney a few questions in regards to his expectations for 2019 among other things.

Clayton Richer: How instrumental was it getting called up in 2018 for your preparation and expectations for this upcoming season?

Billy McKinney:  “I was honored to be called up by the Jays leadership and learned a lot getting to know the players and how they prepared daily to compete. All of the guys are great and provided great guidance regarding how to prepare, approach different situations, etc. which was invaluable from a learning perspective.”

C.R: What does a successful 2019 season look like for you on a personal level?

B.M: “On a personal level I would say doing anything possible to getting the job done for the team. Such as moving runners over or keeping a man from reaching a double then hopefully that can help us reach more success.”

C.R: Have you spoken to the new skipper yet, and if so has he given you any clarity on your role for 2019? 

B.M: “Yes I have been in contact with Charlie and am really excited about the opportunity to play for him. We had a brief chat and he joked about how they had shifted on me during our games with the Tampa Rays.”

C.R: If Billy McKinney can hit anywhere in the lineup on Opening Day, where would it be? (I personally like you in the leadoff spot) 

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B.M: “I greatly appreciate the vote of confidence as at this point I am headed into spring training working to earn a spot on the major league club. If I earn a spot I would be honored to bat anywhere within the lineup. My main goal is to help the club win ballgames. However I can help, I will do my best to deliver.”

C.R: Can you describe your former manager John Gibbons in 5 words or less?

B.M: “Leader, Knowledgeable, Direct, Teacher”

C.R: If there is one thing you could improve or add to your game, what would it be?

B.M: “I want to continue to improve in all aspects of my game learning as much as I can. By watching others who have been successful hopefully I can embrace how they approach the game to take my game to a higher level.”

It is pretty obvious McKinney is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team to win, which should bode well for his playing time as the 2019 season progresses. McKinney reminds me of a more talented Reed Johnson style player, which is definitely not a bad thing.

If you’re looking for a possible breakout candidate this season, look no further than Billy McKinney. There is a reason he was selected in the first round of the 2013 draft and acquired by three different teams already in his young professional career.

The tools and makeup are there for him to succeed at the major league level so don’t get caught sleeping on Billy The Kid.