The best Canadian-born Blue Jays in franchise history

Aug 7, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) stands for the national anthem of Canada at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 7, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) stands for the national anthem of Canada at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports /
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TORONTO, CANADA – JULY 6: Fans display a sign of Michael Saunders #21 of the Toronto Blue Jays in an effort to encourage voting for a roster spot on the All-Star team during MLB game action against the Kansas City Royals on July 6, 2016 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

Honourable Mentions

Before we get to number one, there’s are a couple of guys that I think deserve a quick mention. Saint John, New Brunswick native Matt Stairs was the best hitter on the 2007 Blue Jays with a 138 OPS+. Paul Spoljaric from Kelowna, BC provided a solid bullpen arm in 1996 and 1997, with a 3.14 ERA over 86 innings.

Finally, “Captain Canada” Michael Saunders of Victoria, BC, had an elite first half of the 2016 season. He posted a 147 OPS+ and was named an Allstar before falling off in the second half of the year, but was still an integral part of the Blue Jays playoff run, with a 1.017 OPS in 14 postseason plate appearances.