This Blue Jays bench player has far exceeded their expectations

When Myles Straw was sent to the Toronto Blue Jays from the Guardians this offseason, there was truly no spot for him on the big league roster. Myles Straw is the definition of a success story, and the ideal outcome of a low-risk, high-reward piece. Plenty of Blue Jays fans were critical of the call to take on Straw’s contract, especially considering that the team was unable to sign Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki as a result. After taking a step back, though, Straw has been everything that the Jays have hoped for and more.

Over the past three seasons, Straw had never really found his footing. During that span, he never had an OPS over .600 and only went yard once, but he's turned that around, making him an extremely valuable depth piece down the stretch and into October. Not only is Straw slashing .272/.322/.377 with an OPS of just under .700, but he is making a massive impact in the outfield.

This Blue Jays bench player has far exceeded their expectations

The California native currently ranks in the 97th percentile in outs above average and has impressed with his arm as well. A Gold Glove winner with the Guardians back in 2022, he has found his game again defensively. Wherever skipper John Schneider deploys him, whether it is center field or left field, he is making big plays in big moments to help the team.

In the final game of the recent series versus the Brewers, Straw's defensive capabilities were on full display. Straw found himself in center field with Varsho out after being beaned in the hand, and made a massive impact right out of the gate. Jackson Chourio, during his first plate appearance off the injured list, took the eighth pitch of the game deep into the alley.

It seemed as though he had hit a home run, but in came Straw, with his first career home run robbery, to keep Milwaukee off the board early. Even though he is not a full-time player, Straw is ranked 8th amongst all outfielders with +14 Defensive Runs Saved this season.

Aside from his rookie season in 2018 and a strong year in 2021, this is the best Straw has looked, clearly exceeding expectations. Although his hitting stats don't jump off the page, he's doing more than just holding his own. He's already tied his career high of four home runs in a season, two of which came in the same game on back-to-back at-bats.

With Straw's great season at the plate and lights out defence, he has exceeded expectations and will be a valuable piece for the 2025 Blue Jays.