Jays Journal
FanSided

Toronto Blue Jays- The Pursuit of a More Productive Outfield

ByCory Hildenbrand|
TORONTO, ON - MAY 10: Teoscar Hernandez #37 of the Toronto Blue Jays and Jonathan Davis #49 and Randal Grichuk #15 jog off the field after their victory during MLB game action against the Chicago White Sox at Rogers Centre on May 10, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 10: Teoscar Hernandez #37 of the Toronto Blue Jays and Jonathan Davis #49 and Randal Grichuk #15 jog off the field after their victory during MLB game action against the Chicago White Sox at Rogers Centre on May 10, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
7 of 7
Japan’s Seiya Suzuki bats against Taiwan during the WBSC Premier 12 Opening Round group B baseball match between Taiwan and Japan in Taichung, central Taiwan, on November 7, 2019. (Photo by Alex LEE / AFP) (Photo by ALEX LEE/AFP via Getty Images)
Japan’s Seiya Suzuki bats against Taiwan during the WBSC Premier 12 Opening Round group B baseball match between Taiwan and Japan in Taichung, central Taiwan, on November 7, 2019. (Photo by Alex LEE / AFP) (Photo by ALEX LEE/AFP via Getty Images)

Outside the box

Seiya Suzuki

Seiya Suzuki is currently a right-fielder for the Hiroshima Carp of the Japanese Professional League.  Suzuki is currently 25 years of age and would have to be posted via the MLB posting system agreement. This may be a possibility since the Carp have previously posted Kenta Meada and Ryosuka Kikuchi.

Suzuki won the NPB batting title in 2019 with a .335 average and a .453 OBP.  Suzuki has posted OPS higher than 1.000 in three of the past four seasons and has 30 homer potential after averaging 28 homers/season with a .421 OBP over the past four seasons.  Suzuki not only does it with the bat but is also productive on the base paths having swiped 28 bags in 2019. In 2019 Suzuki also won his 3rd Golden Glove award for his play in rightfield. Suzuki can be seen as a complete player and someone that could be an all-star in the MLB.

Yoelkis Cespedes

Yoelkis Cespedes is the younger half brother of Yoenis Cespedes. Yoelkis Cespedes is 22 years of age and defected from Cuba in June of 2019 during a Can-Am league game while playing in New York.  Cespedes has been referred to as a five-tool player with above-average skills. Cespedes has recently been declared a free agent and able to sign with any team. In a recent article on MLB.com, it was stated that Cespedes is expected to sign with a team that provides the clearest route to major league playing time.

As a 19-year-old, Cespedes played in Cuba for Alazanes de Granma. He would produce a line of .297/.362/.460 in 90 games. Cespedes would hit 9 triples and score 58 runs while playing good defense in both RF and CF with 10 outfield assists.  Cespedes would likely need some additional time in the minors but could follow a similar path as Lourdes Gurriel Jr.  The Blue Jays could be one of those teams that could provide a clear path to the majors.

So what’s your future Blue Jays outfield look like?

Home/Toronto Blue Jays News

Schedule