Blue Jays: Setting realistic goals for a wacky season

Surpass the Red Sox

I know I’ve already talked about how many variables and wild cards there could be this year, but I still think the Blue Jays should set one goal, even if it’s not the main focus.

I’d like to see them surpass the Red Sox this year, and I think it’s entirely possible.

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I’ve already talked about what I like about the Blue Jays’ roster enough, so let’s have a peak at the difference between this year’s version of the Red Sox and the dominant club we’ve seen over the last few years. First, they’ll be without Mookie Betts and David Price who were traded to the Dodgers this past winter. Sure, they got Alex Verdugo back in return, but the rest of the pieces won’t be ready to help in 2020.

They’ll also be without their staff ace and best starting pitcher in Chris Sale who had Tommy John surgery earlier this year. Without both Sale and Price, the Red Sox have a pretty vulnerable rotation, and it was an area of need last season before they lost the impact arms.

At just 84-78 last year, the Red Sox looked like they needed to do a bit of a re-tool in order to push for another title, and that’s exactly what the front office kickstarted by trading Betts and Price to the Dodgers. They still have plenty of talent with pieces like Rafael Devers, Xander Bogaerts, and more, but they’re as vulnerable as they’ve been in several years. I don’t expect it’ll remain that way for too long, and I’d love to see the Blue Jays make a statement this year and finish at least 3rd out of their AL East counterparts. It would be wonderful if they could best the Yankees and the Rays as well, but let’s take things one step at a time.

What kind of goals would you like to see the Blue Jays set for this strange season ahead? Let us know in the comments section below.