Myles Straw is showing why the Blue Jays keep trusting him

Myles Straw has been a key part of the last two victories for the Toronto Blue Jays. The 31-year-old outfielder has largely been used as the team's backup / defensive replacement in 2026 but lately Straw has almost been out playing that role.

On Saturday (Jun. 20) he was instrumental in the Blue Jays comeback win over the Chicago Cubs. Down 5-0 the Blue Jays stormed back to win 8-6, starting with a lead-off walk by Straw in the eighth inning. The Blue Jays had put up three runs in the seventh to cut the lead to 5-3, shut down the Cubs offense in the bottom half, and Straw gave the Blue Jays that momentum shifting start to the inning.

It's not just any guy on base when Straw leads off. He's got speed and reads the play well and that enabled him to go first to third on George Springer's single to left. He scored when the next hitter, Alejandro Kirk, kept the chains moving with a single to left field, cutting the lead to one.

The Cubs then threatened in the bottom half of the eight and with runners on the corners with two out, Straw made a spectacular catch against the left field wall to end the inning.

Fast forward to Monday night (Jun. 22) and Straw was once again a big part of Toronto's win, this time in a 4-2 defeat of the Houston Astros to pull the Blue Jays back to the .500 mark. In the seventh inning of a 2-2 tie, Straw pinch-hit for the left-handed Jésus Sánchez with runners in scoring position and one out.

Straw got himself into a 2-0 count and then proceeded to hit a fly ball to left field that was deep enough to cash in the go-ahead run. It was once again an example of Straw just getting the job done to help the team in a crucial situation.

Straw isn't fancy but does what is necessary

It's not an easy role that Straw finds himself playing, but similar to last year it's a role his exceeding in. The outfield picture is crowded in the Blue Jays clubhouse. With Daulton Varsho, Springer, Sánchez, Nathan Lukes, Yohendrik Piñango, Addison Barger and Davis Schneider all also getting reps in the outfield it was incumbent for Straw to come through when called upon.

He doesn't produce at an elite level, but by producing at a league average level when asked to, it makes his contributions feel much more meaningful. His .242/.311/.333 slash line in 137 plate appearances is perfectly acceptable for a guy that's only getting into games 2-3 times a week at best. And sometimes, he's only appearing in the outfield as a late defensive replacement and not even getting the chance to get an at-bat.

While the roster will certainly change a few more times before the deadline, and may even get a major face lift after Aug. 3, it's likely a good bet that Straw will still be a part of this club once the deadline passes as he continues to prove his value on this year's team.

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