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Toronto Blue Jays 2016 ALCS Roster: Where are they now?

By Tyson Shushkewich

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 09: Josh Donaldson #20 of the Toronto Blue Jays is congratulated by Troy Tulowitzki #2 after scoring the game-winning run as Kevin Pillar #11 runs while celebrating in the tenth inning during MLB game action against the Texas Rangers in game three of the American League Division Series at Rogers Centre on October 9, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 09: Josh Donaldson #20 of the Toronto Blue Jays is congratulated by Troy Tulowitzki #2 after scoring the game-winning run as Kevin Pillar #11 runs while celebrating in the tenth inning during MLB game action against the Texas Rangers in game three of the American League Division Series at Rogers Centre on October 9, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 09: Josh Donaldson #20 of the Toronto Blue Jays is congratulated by Troy Tulowitzki #2 after scoring the game-winning run as Kevin Pillar #11 runs while celebrating in the tenth inning during MLB game action against the Texas Rangers in game three of the American League Division Series at Rogers Centre on October 9, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 09: Josh Donaldson #20 of the Toronto Blue Jays is congratulated by Troy Tulowitzki #2 after scoring the game-winning run as Kevin Pillar #11 runs while celebrating in the tenth inning during MLB game action against the Texas Rangers in game three of the American League Division Series at Rogers Centre on October 9, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

Taking a look back Toronto Blue Jays 2016 ALCS roster and seeing where they are now to begin 2021.

The 2016 season was one to remember for the Toronto Blue Jays. Finishing 2nd in the A.L. East and earning a spot in the American League Wild Card game, the Blue Jays were looking for redemption after being bounced in the playoffs the year prior in the ALCS by the eventual World Series Champions Kansas City Royals. They would lose the ALCS series to the Cleveland Indians 4-1 and getting demolished by the Indians starting rotation.

With the Blue Jays undergoing a full down rebuild shortly after, there is not a single player from the 2016 playoff roster who is currently still with the organization. This article takes a look at where those players are now in their careers.

Starting Pitchers

Marcus Stroman

2016 Stats: 32 games started; 4.37 ERA; 1.289 WHIP; 166 strikeouts

2016 ALCS Playoff Stats: 1 game started; 6.75 ERA; 1.125 WHIP; 5 strikeouts

2020 Stats: N/A

One of the top Blue Jays pitching prospects from 2010-2015, Marcus Stroman was a key cog in the Blue Jays machine in 2016. He would lead the team in innings pitched (204.0), strikeouts (165), and would tie for the lead in games started (32). Stroman would start the 2016 Wild Card game against the Baltimore Orioles and would pitch in one game during the ALCS, losing the game while going 5.1 innings, giving up 4 earned runs with three walks and five strikeouts.

Traded to the New York Mets at the 2019 trade deadline, Stroman was entering the season in his last year of arbitration. He would be placed on the injured list during the Mets summer camp after tearing his left calf muscle and would opt-out for the remainder of the season citing the Covid-19 pandemic. Stroman would become a free agent this off-season and sign the Mets qualifying offer, returning to New York for another season.

Marco Estrada

2016 Stats: 29 games started; 3.48 ERA; 1.119 WHIP; 165 strikeouts

2016 ALCS Playoff Stats: 2 games started; 2.57 ERA; 0.857 WHIP; 13 strikeouts

2020 Stats: N/A

Earning an all-star appearance in what was one of his best statistical seasons, Marco Estrada was a key member of the Blue Jays rotation in 2016. He had a 9-9 record and would pitch 176.0 innings, finishing second on the team in strikeouts with 165, one shy of Stroman. He would lose both games he started for the Blue Jays in the ALCS, but only because the team put up 0 runs in both games, losing 2-0 and 3-0.

After signing a one-year deal with the Oakland Athletics prior to the 2019 season, Estrada would end up being released by the Oakland Athletics as he had missed most of the season with a reoccurring back injury. He would retire shortly after being released.