Toronto Blue Jays: Five things to look forward to in 2021

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BUFFALO, NEW YORK – AUGUST 12: Jordan Romano #68 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches during the ninth inning of an MLB game against the Miami Marlins at Sahlen Field on August 12, 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 COVID-19. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /

Well, another season has come and gone for the Toronto Blue Jays, and… it was an interesting year, to say the least. Lots of highs, with big league debuts, 10-run innings, and a short, but significant playoff run.

Some lows, with many injuries, heartbreaking losses, and a tough postseason series ending the year. However, just like the players, we must move on from this and look ahead. So, here are 5 things to look forward to in the 2021 season.

1. Jordan Romano

Coming into the 2020 season, I don’t think much was expected from the right-handed pitcher Jordan Romano. After all, he finished 2019 with a 7.63 ERA, and no one was really anticipating much from him the following year. But, were we all wrong. He came into the 2020 season looking like a whole new pitcher, only allowing eight hits and two earned runs on the season, and finishing with a 1.23 ERA in 14.2 innings.

He seemed to have a whole new approach to pitching, and always dominated on the mound. With a fastball averaging 96.6 mph and a wicked slider, I think we are looking at the Jays next closer, especially since Ken Giles is unlikely to return. Unfortunately, he ended his season on the IL with a middle finger injury, but he made quite the impact and will continue to do so next season, I’m sure.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 15: Alejandro Kirk #85 of the Toronto Blue Jays follows through on a swing during the sixth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on September 15, 2020 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees won 20-6. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

2. Alejandro Kirk

A breakout star in spring training, this young catcher was someone we all knew we were going to keep our eye in the future. But the future came early this year, and Kirk, who had never played above A-Ball, made his Major League debut on Sept. 12, 2020. He instantly impressed, recording his first Major League hit against the Mets, and went 4-4 with a home run against The Yankees on the 21 of September.

Behind the plate, he seemed solid as well, and may even give Danny Jansen a run for his money next year, assuming of course they continue to keep him on the active roster. Even more impressive, he was the first one to get a base hit off of Blake Snell in the postseason game against the Rays and finished the season with a batting average of .375. No matter where the Blue Jays decide to place him next year, he will be interesting to watch.

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