Blue Jays: The biggest disappointments of the 2019 season (so far)

The outfield

We knew that the strength of the Blue Jays this year and beyond was likely going to be in the infield, but they definitely need some improved production from the outfield.

Grichuk hasn’t been the only disappointment out there, as Teoscar Hernandez played so poorly that he was sent back to Triple-A Buffalo, and the same fate took place for Billy McKinney as well. Socrates Brito was so bad that the Blue Jays designated him for assignment and no one claimed him.

They’ve tried Alen Hanson (who was also DFA’d), Brandon Drury, Jonathan Davis, and even a few games from Anthony Alford. Thankfully Lourdes Gurriel Jr. looks to have settled into left field, at least for the time being, but they are still searching for a third piece to join him and Grichuk to make an adequate big league outfield.

It’s a real shame that Dalton Pompey sustained another concussion during spring training or I really believe he could have been a good fit up the middle around Grichuk and Gurriel Jr. As things stand right now, Hernandez is getting a shot in centre field, and with all due respect, I don’t think that’s going to be a long-term solution.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Blue Jays target a few outfield prospects as the trade deadline approaches this summer, as it’s a clear need, especially when compared to the infield pipeline. The fact that they’ve already moved Gurriel Jr. to left (also because of his defensive struggles at second) and that Cavan Biggio has appeared out there as well shows that Montoyo is looking for solutions. Unfortunately, there haven’t been enough of them yet.