Blue Jays: What does the rotation depth chart look like now?

The core four of the rotation

There’s no question about who sits at the top of the depth chart with the Blue Jays employing a legitimate ace in Ryu. After him though, there are three starters in particular that Charlie Montoyo is going to have to count on in 2021.

1- Hyun Jin Ryu
2- Steven Matz
3- Robbie Ray
4- Nate Pearson

I was tempted to put Pearson in a different category, but I think he’ll have a rotation job as long as he’s healthy. The Blue Jays would always have the option to have him pitch in Triple-A if they feel that’s the best way to bring him along, but they also need his electric right arm to be at their strongest this year. Hopefully he’ll be able to put his injury issues behind him and truly start his career of a MLB starter.

Ryu is a no-brainer at the top, and he’s followed by two more southpaws in Matz and Ray. The former has been absolutely fantastic over his first two starts in a Blue Jays uniform, and Ray looked very good this spring before a freak injury at home delayed the start to his regular season. As things stand right now, the Blue Jays need these four pitchers to be healthy and productive.

Ideally Ross Atkins and the front office will be able to add another quality starter to the group at some point this year, but that’ll depend on whether or not the Blue Jays are in the hunt for a playoff spot. If they are, look for them to add some reinforcements. However, if Ray can pitch like he did this spring, Matz can keep up his hot start, and Pearson can reach his potential then maybe they won’t need to. That’s a lot of “ifs” though.