Toronto Blue Jays: Five things to look forward to in 2021
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.
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.
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.
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.
5. In-Person Games at Rogers Centre
While we were lucky to even get a baseball season this year, it was certainly disappointing that the Blue Jays were denied to play at their home in Toronto, and that fans were not allowed to attend. But in this crazy year, adjustments had to be made on all fronts, because health and safety ultimately come first. Even though I was very impressed with how well the Jays staff transformed the triple-A ballpark of Sahlen Field into their new home for the year, nothing can replace their regular home, the Rogers Centre.
And me trying to be positive, I believe we will be seeing this young team play next year at Rogers Centre, with some socially-distanced fan attendance of course. Good on the Jays for already planning an exciting and packed promotional schedule for 2021. Nothing beats a live ball game, and it will be amazing to be able to get back in the stadium, hopefully, and cheer on the team we all love watching year after year.
The future truly is bright in Toronto. This year’s losses will turn into lessons for next year, and I can’t wait to see where the Blue Jays will be when they return to spring training in 2021.
Anyone else excited?