Ranking the 10 greatest outfielders in Blue Jays history

MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 24: Kevin Pillar #11 and Jose Bautista #19 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrate after Pillar hit a home run in the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 24, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 24: Kevin Pillar #11 and Jose Bautista #19 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrate after Pillar hit a home run in the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 24, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK – JULY 06: Alex Rios #15 of the Toronto Blue Jays bats against the New York Yankees on July 6, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

8. Alex Rios

Alex Rios was a steady contributor offensively, defensively, and on the basepaths in his 5.5 seasons as a Blue Jay. He was one of the better players on the team in a period of time when the Jays struggled as a unit. He made back-to-back All-Star game appearances in 2006 and 2007.

His best season came in 2007 when he put up a 122 WRC+ and posted a 5.2 fWAR. He hit 24 home runs which was his highest mark in Toronto and stole 17 bases. His 14 DRS led the American League right fielders and was tied for second overall among outfielders in the American League. He was one of the more complete outfielders in the AL.

Rios wasn’t a superstar but he was someone who was consistently relied upon to hit at an above-average level over 100 WRC+ and played exceptional defense. His 55 DRS in the outfield from 2006-2008 was the highest in the American League by 24 points, a substantial margin.

His tenure in Toronto ended on a bit of a sour note as he was acquired by the White Sox soon after signing a long extension. Rios is 12th for bWAR in franchise history and is without a doubt one of the more well-rounded outfielders in Jays’ history.