4 former players the Blue Jays missed the most during latest failed championship run

Which former players could have helped the Blue Jays in their 2023 World Series championship run?

Championship Series - Philadelphia Phillies v Arizona Diamondbacks - Game Four
Championship Series - Philadelphia Phillies v Arizona Diamondbacks - Game Four / Harry How/GettyImages
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In the latest failed championship run by Toronto Blue Jays, their inability to score runs and produce any sustained offence essentially led to their demise, as they quickly bowed out of the playoffs to the Minnesota Twins in the AL Wild Card series. At the same time, there have been some former Blue Jays that have not only had a strong offensive season in 2023, but happened to be still chugging along in their quest for the World Series while playing key roles in their successful runs. Looking back, had they still been with the Jays, they could have potentially made a significant difference for the ballclub.

Here, we take a look at four former Blue Jays players, whether currently still in contention or not, that the team certainly missed the most in their failed 2023 World Series championship run.

Marcus Semien

Throughout the season, the Jays struggled to find a consistent run producer at the second base position. Whit Merrifield began to run away with it during the middle parts of the season, but eventually gave way to Cavan Biggio near the end, while Santiago Espinal struggled to find his footing all season. However, had Marcus Semien still been around, there is no doubt who the everyday starting second baseman would be.

With the Texas Rangers this season, Semien led the American League in runs scored (122) and hits (185), along with ranking third in doubles (40) and fourth in RBI (100), while becoming a second-time All-Star in the process. Those numbers certainly would have come in handy for the offensively-challenged Jays, as it would made him the Jays’ team leader in those categories.

Moreover, Semien has contributed to the Rangers’ postseason run with five walks, seven runs scored, nine hits, two doubles and two RBI to date as they are currently locked in an intense battle with the defending World Series champions Houston Astros. It certainly would have been great if he was still doing it for the Jays, but one is only left to wonder about the ultimate impact he could have provided.