Blue Jays: Top-five greatest starting pitchers in franchise history

Through the history of the Toronto Blue Jays, they’ve gained the reputation of a superior offensive team. Various historic sluggers have made their way through the organization, taking advantage of the small dimensioned Rogers Centre during that time. However, it’s the pitchers over the history of the franchise who stand out to me, as a select few were impressive enough to make Rogers Centre look pitcher friendly during their Jays tenure.

This list is complete with Hall of Fame snubs, polarizing players, pitchers who played through years of mediocrity, and underrated studs. However, not every stand-out pitcher could make the Top 5, here are these honourable mentions. 

Juan Guzmán

A pitcher that’s seen a lot in Jays uniform, Guzmán is a two time World Series champ, an ERA leader in the AL, and an All-Star. However, Guzmán’s Jays career from 1991-1998 was inconsistent. An ERA variable from 2.93 at its best to 6.32 at its worst.

David Wells

Another guy who’s seen a lot, Wells had different roles during his Jays tenure. He began as a swing-man, and maintained that role between the rotation and bullpen before his departure to the Tigers in 1993. Wells would return to the Blue Jays for two seasons in 1999 and 2000, winning 20 games and fiishing third in Cy Young voting in the latter season. His 15.1 WAR is seventh all time amongst Blue Jays pitchers.

Jim Clancy

One of the original Blue Jays, Clancy won 128 games over 2204.2 innings in a Jays uniform. The feats of Clancy are unheard of compared to today’s standards. The righty averaged 184 innings pitched from 1977-1988, eclipsing 215 innings in six of those seasons. An All-Star in 1982, Clancy was a workhorse and one of the more impactful starters in Jays history.