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Best Canadians to have ever suited up for the Blue Jays

In celebration of Canada Day, let’s take a look at the most prominent Canadian-born players in Toronto Blue Jays history
ByEdward Eng|
Apr 30, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) celebrates with teammate starting pitcher Jordan Romano (68) after defeating the Houston Astros at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
Apr 30, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) celebrates with teammate starting pitcher Jordan Romano (68) after defeating the Houston Astros at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images | Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
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When it comes to Canadians that have suited up for the Toronto Blue Jays over their 48 years of existence, there have been many that have put a dent into the franchise’s history. Whether it was Rob Ducey, the Butler brothers (Rich and Rob), Corey Koskie or even the more recent Dalton Pompey, they all played a role in telling the story of this franchise. But there has been only a select few that have managed to star for the team and significantly contribute to the Blue Jays winning and success.

With the celebration of Canada Day almost upon us, let’s take a look at the best players born in Canada to ever don a Blue Jays uniform.

Best Canadians to have ever suited up for the Blue Jays

Honourable Mentions

Stairs
Jun 13, 2008; Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Matt Stairs (24) bats against the Chicago Cubs at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON. The Blue Jays beat the Cubs 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images | Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images

Outfielder Matt Stairs
Stairs spent parts of 19 seasons in the majors, but the Jays still had the luxury of his services towards the end of his illustrious career. In 230 total games with the club, Stairs batted a solid .270 with an .831 OPS, along with 100 runs scored, 32 home runs and 108 RBIs. Pretty strong numbers for someone entering age 40 at the time and has remained a fan favourite despite his short tenure with Toronto.

Saunder
Sep 3, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Michael Saunders (21) hits an RBI single in the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-Imagn Images | Evan Habeeb-Imagn Images

Outfielder Michael Saunders
Saunders may have only spent a short time with the Jays, but he sure made the most of it. Dealt to Toronto by the Seattle Mariners prior to the 2015 season, Saunders made his mark with the club in 2016 as their full-time outfielder after missing almost all of 2015 with a knee injury. In his only All-Star season of his career, he posted a .253 average, .815 OPS, together with 70 runs scored, 32 doubles, 24 home runs and 57 RBIs in 140 games.

Infielder Brett Lawrie
Brett Lawrie may not have ended up having the elite career many had envisioned, but the electric energy he brought with his hard-nosed play when he first joined the Jays in 2011 made him a memorable player during his time with the club. He had a spectacular debut in which he batted .293 with a .953 OPS, along with 26 runs scored, eight doubles, four triples, nine home runs, 25 RBIs and seven stolen bases in just 43 games in 2011. Lawrie showed great promise that he could do it all during that campaign, however, he would reach a plateau in the subsequent years and he ultimately will be remembered for helping the Jays land future MVP Josh Donaldson.

Now, to some of the big-time contributors for the franchise.