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

By Amy Sarkany

BUFFALO, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: The Toronto Blue Jays celebrate a win against the New York Yankees at Sahlen Field and celebrate a 2020 postseason berth on September 24, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. The Blue Jays are the home team due to the Canadian government's policy on COVID-19, which prevents them from playing in their home stadium in Canada. Blue Jays beat the Yankees 4 to 1. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: The Toronto Blue Jays celebrate a win against the New York Yankees at Sahlen Field and celebrate a 2020 postseason berth on September 24, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. The Blue Jays are the home team due to the Canadian government's policy on COVID-19, which prevents them from playing in their home stadium in Canada. Blue Jays beat the Yankees 4 to 1. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 17: Cavan Biggio #8 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates with Bo Bichette #11 after a 8-5 victory against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 17, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 17: Cavan Biggio #8 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates with Bo Bichette #11 after a 8-5 victory against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 17, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

3. The Young Core

There is no denying that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Bo Bichette, and Cavan Biggio are a crucial part of rebuilding this team. And while they had some struggles at the plate and defensively this season, I believe they will continue to grow and improve. These kids are hungry to compete, and they truly want to be the best in the league. A disappointing ending to this season is only going to make them more motivated to use this winter to their advantage and to figure out where they need to make improvements and adjust accordingly.

Every year is going to bring more opportunities for them as they get more Major League experience under their belts. Guerrero, Bichette, and Biggio are entertaining and exciting to watch because they make every game a battle, no matter who they are playing. These young three will continue to be a force to be reckoned with, and even more so in the coming years.

BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 18: Nate Pearson #24 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles on August 18, 2020 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 18: Nate Pearson #24 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles on August 18, 2020 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

4. Nate Pearson

If 2020 brought us one good thing, it was the debut of the Blue Jays top prospect, Nate Pearson. In his first five innings on July 29, he allowed no runs, struck out five, and walked only two. Not only can his fastball hit 100 mph, but his slider and curveball are known to strike out many. At only 24 years old, he definitely contributes to what will make this young core so dangerous.

Since that debut, almost every appearance has been solid by Pearson. And even after a stint on the IL, he came back looking just as strong as ever. In his last appearance in the playoffs, his fastball hit 101.5 mph and he allowed no runs in his 1 2/3 innings. It’s clear that the Jays will have a dependable and deadly starting pitcher next year. And with this kind of start, I can only imagine how far this rookie pitcher will go.

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