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Six biggest X-Factors for the 2023 Toronto Blue Jays

By Nick Prasad |
Toronto Blue Jays v Los Angeles Angels
Toronto Blue Jays v Los Angeles Angels / John McCoy/GettyImages
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The city of Toronto, Canada, and all Blue Jays followers worldwide expect a minimum of the American League East Championship banner flowing through the wind from the top of the Rogers Center roof; is this too much to ask for? Not at all. It is 110% attainable from the product the Blue Jays have spread across the diamond this year.

This year’s Blue Jays' 40-man roster is aesthetic on the charts and will be productive throughout the season once convergent. In this skillful roster lies “x-factors” that are crucial to the advancement of this team. In this case, x-factor players are defined by their successes directly contributing to the success of the team, and their lack of top performance forthwith diminishing team success. Further to this, Blue Jays' x-factors will not only be involved in the influence of a postseason chase but also postseason success. Looking at the current roster, who are these players?

Key Blue Jays will stand as “x-factors” throughout the battle of the 2023 season

Toronto has a cohesive two-way club as management focused on polishing each end of the sword to match their competition in the American League. Arms were added along with speed, athleticism, bats, and defense.

Let’s start with the pitching. The Blue Jays' young guns will be guided by a sprinkle of veteran presence in the dugout this season. X-factor number one is veteran right-handed pitcher Kevin Gausman. The Blue Jays have a contending starting rotation and Gausman leads the pack with experience and a filthy repertoire.

Gausman’s 2022 season had a better taste than what meets the eye. Despite recording 10 losses seasoned by back luck, he won 12 games and finished with a 3.35 ERA, striking out 205 batters and only walking 28. Gausman’s repertoire is established with a well-commanded fastball and filthy splitter. Not only can he work a count but he can conceal his weapons for as long as possible while controlling the running game. This season, he should mirror 12 wins if not sitting between 13-15. His presence and contributions throughout and leading up to fall baseball will be crucial. Gausman will likely be the Blue Jays' big game pitcher come playoff time; he sets the mood, comes composed, and delivers in stressful situations.

Right-hander Alek Manoah will swim in the same pool. The number one starter in the rotation will have to eat his share of innings and be effective in big games. Manoah brings energy and demeanor through his repertoire and arsenal.

The key for him is consistency; consistency in served innings, fundamentals, mechanics, and game plan. In 2022, he tossed 196.2 innings with a 2.24 ERA and 180 strikeouts. As long Manoah keeps the confidence in his pitch options he will go deep into games, controlling the lower half of lineups, and working big counts.

So far in 2023 we’ve seen a slight decrease in fastball velocity and this is a clear reflection of mechanics and hip usage. Staying consistent will be key for his success in every sense; a consistent Manoah will result in a minimum of 16-18 wins which could be the difference between a Wild Card run and a division title. Manoah is heavily relied on this season and the team depends on his depth and effectiveness on the mound.

The new and improved outfield for the Blue Jays also brought evident athletic ability, the ability to reach base, and the ability to spark the running game. Daulton Varsho can stick his feet in all three of those needs for the team. He may be viewed as a utility outfielder; however, Varsho’s athletic presence serves all in-game scenarios to win.

He hit 27 bombs in 2022 along with 74 RBIs on 125 hits. His bat is huge in an already muscular Toronto lineup and his quick twitch muscles can ensure more runners in scoring position. Varsho’s ability to play small ball and cause base-pad havoc will come in handy all year long throughout the season and into the playoffs for the Jays. This is an impactful x-factor in various game scenarios to come.

These two Blue Jays are proven defensive gems who protect the opposite corners and instill fear in a top-heavy Toronto lineup. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Matt Chapman like to play hot potato across the diamond, stop rockets, and lose baseballs in the stands. As long as they continue to do this together, the Blue Jays offense will be intact. Vladdy launched 32 home runs in 2022 while driving in 97 RBIs while Chapman launched 27 dingers and 76 RBIs; both with a .339 and .324 on-base percentage. This offensive duo is extremely important to the Blue Jays doing damage in the AL East. The offensive downfall of either of the two can be detrimental to the lineup.

The Blue Jays relied on this arm to secure 36 of their 92 wins in the late innings of 2022. Jordan Romano is a serious X-factor in 2023 and will continuously be looked upon to close the doors in close games. The importance of him locating, executing, and being an effective stopper will be key to the Blue Jays putting wins in the bag. His success or downfall can drastically affect the win column for the team.

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