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Blue Jays: Some surprises among team WAR leaders

By Chris Henderson

BOSTON, MA - AUGUST 07: Cavan Biggio #8 of the Toronto Blue Jays rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the first inning of game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on August 7, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - AUGUST 07: Cavan Biggio #8 of the Toronto Blue Jays rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the first inning of game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on August 7, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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BUFFALO, NEW YORK – AUGUST 16: Cavan Biggio #8 of the Toronto Blue Jays swings during the seventh inning of game two of a double header against the Tampa Bay Rays at Sahlen Field on August 16, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. The Blue Jays are the home team and are playing their home games in Buffalo due to the Canadian government’s policy on coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NEW YORK – AUGUST 16: Cavan Biggio #8 of the Toronto Blue Jays swings during the seventh inning of game two of a double header against the Tampa Bay Rays at Sahlen Field on August 16, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. The Blue Jays are the home team and are playing their home games in Buffalo due to the Canadian government’s policy on coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /

#3-5

Coming in at #5 might be the most pleasant surprise of them all, and a name that I didn’t expect to see so high on the list, if at all. That said, when thinking back on A.J. Cole‘s contribution to the bullpen in 2020, it makes sense that he’s already earned 0.9 bWAR. So far the right-hander has thrown 12 innings and posted an ERA of 0.69, and a WHIP of 1.00. Not bad for a minor league contract signing.

At #4 is someone who is quickly becoming one of my favourite players, and I’m sure I’m not the only Blue Jays fan saying that about Cavan Biggio. The 25-year-old has been a much-needed steady presence in the lineup so far, and he’s played wherever he’s been asked on defence, and hit wherever he’s placed in the lineup. Already contributing 1.0 bWAR, his recent hot streak has pushed his slash line up to .277/.397/.525 with six home runs, seven doubles, 18 RBI, and four stolen bases. He’s doing it all, and quickly becoming a star.

Getting near the top now, I’m actually going to cheat a little as far as separating the slides here. That’s because #2 and #3 are tied at 1.1 bWAR, but I’ll choose one to make as the 2b. for now.

That would be Bo Bichette, and chances are very good that he’d be leading this list if he hadn’t tweaked his knee last week. It was very unfortunate, as Bichette was in the midst of a red-hot span at the plate, and had helped turn the season around for the young squad. There are still high hopes that he’ll be back before the season ends, but at the moment his slash line stands at .361/.391/.672 with five home runs, four doubles, four stolen bases, and 13 RBI in just 14 games played.

Hurry back, Bo.

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