
9. Shawn Green
Shawn Green was a first-round pick in the 1991 MLB Draft. He came into the organization with high expectations and was immediately the team’s best prospect. Once Green finally got meaningful playing time in the 1995 season, he was a 115 OPS+ hitter and finished fifth in the American League Rookie of the Year balloting.
He was a mainstay in the outfield for each of the next four seasons, averaging 144 games played and 26 home runs per season in that span.
Green’s best season came in 1999 when he had one of the best offensive seasons in Blue Jays history. He slashed .309/.384/.588 with 42 home runs and 123 RBI. He also tacked on 20 stolen bases. His 45 doubles and 361 total bases led the league and made his first All-Star team, winning a Silver Slugger Award, a Gold Glove, and finished ninth in the American League MVP voting. Green set Blue Jays franchise records in extra-base hits and runs scored in a single season.
In addition to having a great bat, Green was a really good outfielder. He won a Gold Glove in 1999 and in the season prior he had 14 outfield assists which ranked second amongst American League right fielders.
Green most definitely lived up to his potential in Toronto especially towards the end of his tenure with the club.