The Toronto Blue Jays are atop the AL East Division heading into the second half of the season. How many people thought that would be the case before the season started? If you were one of them, kudos to you. Toronto is two games up on the New York Yankees and will look to have a successful second half of the season. Here are three things that need to happen to continue their successful start to the season.
Anthony Santander Needs To Stay Healthy and Become Himself Again
Santander was the big free agent signing this past offseason. He has not lived up to expectations. So far in 50 games, Santander has 6 home runs, 18 RBI, and has posted a .579 OPS. For a guy who signed a five-year, $92.5-milliom contract, the Toronto Blue Jays would certainly like more production from Santander.
There is reason to believe Santander will bounce back, as he hit 44 home runs with 102 RBI in Baltimore last season. If he can get healthy, the Blue Jays’ lineup is going to get better. The Blue Jays are also expected to buy at the deadline. Their lineup could use some more offensive thump.
George Springer Needs To Continue To Be An Offensive Force
Springer is having his best year offensively in quite a while. His .853 OPS is his second-highest as a Blue Jay, and his highest since 2021. Springer had back-to-back seasons of offensive production that fell short of his standards, raising questions about whether he was past his prime or not. Now, he’s one of the main contributors to the Blue Jays’ offense. Springer, looking like the player who played for the Astros, makes this Blue Jays team a completely different one.
The Top Two In The Rotation Could Give a Bit More
Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt both have ERAs over four. That’s not bad, but those are two of the top arms in the Toronto Blue Jays rotation. If both pitchers can get their game together, the rotation will much better. Maybe the Toronto Blue Jays could look to add a top-of-the-rotation arm at the trade deadline. It seems like this team is just one move away from being truly exceptional. We’ll see what they do at the deadline.
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