9. Carlos Delgado – 2003
Carlos Delgado’s second to last season with the Blue Jays ended up being one of the best offensive seasons of his career. His overall numbers as a Blue Jay have him as in my opinion, the best infielder to ever play for the Blue Jays so he had plenty of good seasons, but this one sticks out.
Overall, he slashed .302/.426/.593 with 42 home runs and 145 RBI. The RBI total broke his own franchise record of 137 which he set just three years prior. The 42 home runs ended up being the second-highest mark of his 17-year career, same with his American League-leading 1.019 OPS.
Delgado ended up finishing second in the American League MVP race, but an argument could be made that he should have finished first. He led the American League with a 161 OPS+, the winner, Alex Rodriguez, finished fifth in the American League with a 147 OPS+.
Delgado also led the league with a 159 WRC+. Rodriguez was fourth in the league with a 151 OPS+. Rodriguez did steal more bases and play better defense which matters, but Delgado put on a show offensively that season and had a very good case for the MVP award.
Delgado did end up winning his third career Silver Slugger this season and just continued to be the most consistent Blue Jay hitter ever with his sixth straight season of posting at least a 138 OPS+.
It’s disappointing that a team with Wells and Delgado on it only ended up finishing 86-76 and missing the postseason.