Blue Jays all-time best starting rotation based on WAR
By Darcy Weiss

SP3: Jimmy Key - 27.9 WAR
Jimmy Key's contributions for the Toronto Blue Jays were instrumental in the team's success during the 1980s and early 1990s. Key's tenure with the Blue Jays, which spanned from 1984 to 1992, showcased his consistent excellence and ability to deliver quality performances on the mound. Key was known for his pinpoint control, relying on his exceptional command to keep hitters off balance and induce weak contact.
Jay of the Day: June 13, 1991 - Jimmy Key pitched a 2-hit shutout, outdueling Charles Nagy in a 1-0 win over the @CleGuardians. pic.twitter.com/tSQCjrdd7S
— Today in Blue Jays History (@today_jays) June 13, 2023
Key's stats further solidify his status as a highly effective pitcher for the Blue Jays. He compiled an impressive record of 116 wins, placing him among the top pitchers in team history. His excellence was not limited to wins alone, as he boasted an ERA of 3.42 with the team, consistently ranking among the league's best in that category, along with a 27.9 WAR, placing him third in the all-time rotation. His ability to limit runs and pitch effectively in pressure situations was crucial to the Blue Jays' success, especially during their championship-winning seasons in 1992. What Key brought to the team extended beyond the regular season, as he also excelled in the postseason, earning the reputation as a reliable and clutch performer. Jimmy Key's consistent excellence, reliability, and postseason success make him a standout pitcher in the history of the Blue Jays.