Blue Jays: Is it too early to worry about Danny Jansen?
Toronto Blue Jays backstop Danny Jansen has struggled mightily in his first full season in the majors, however, is it too early to be concerned with his lack of production?
Catchers are generally afforded a longer offensive leash than most other position players due to their added responsibility of managing a pitching staff. In saying that, it was expected that Blue Jays rookie Danny Jansen would be contributing more consistently with the lumber than he has thus far.
Jansen is hitting below the Mendoza Line at a .184 clip with just three homers while striking out 46 times in 179 at-bats this season. The backstop is also hitting just .148 versus right-handed pitching in 122 at-bats.
The tandem of Jansen and Luke Maile rank at the bottom of nearly every offensive list in regards to production from the catching position. Surprisingly former catcher Russell Martin is hitting .255 with a pair of homers in 122 plate appearances for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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Thankfully, Jansen has held up his end of the bargain on the defensive side throwing out 11 of a would be 33 base stealers thus far. That ranks Jansen tied for fifth in the majors, a country mile off the league leader J.T. Realmuto who has thrown out a shocking 23 of 48 runners.
For the most part, the rookie has been able to successfully separate the offensive side of the game from the tools of ignorance. The brain trust is likely to give Jansen a mulligan on this season in hopes of more consistent production in 2020.
It is still too early to push the panic button but Jansen does need to make some positive strides on offense during the second half of the campaign.
However, if Jansen does not show some promise with the stick, he could find himself being replaced on the big league roster by the likes of Reese McGuire or another backstop from the farm.