The Toronto Blue Jays ended the 2024 season with a disappointing record of 74-88, finishing in fifth place in the NL East. The team’s struggles were evident in their performance metrics, with a team ERA of 4.29, ranking 22nd in MLB, and an OPS of .703, placing them 18th.
Despite the overall team struggles, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stood out as a bright spot. After a down year in 2023, he rebounded impressively, achieving a .323 batting average—second among qualified hitters—and a 165 wRC+, which ranked sixth in the league. His return to form reaffirmed his status as one of baseball’s elite hitters.
The Blue Jays’ rotation also showed some strength. José Berríos pitched 192.1 innings with a 3.60 ERA, while Chris Bassitt contributed 171 innings and a 4.16 ERA. Both pitchers proved to be reliable mid-rotation options. Bowden Francis emerged as a standout, allowing two or fewer runs in eight of his nine starts late in the season.
On the offensive side, Spencer Horwitz solidified his role as a major league player, finishing the season with a 127 wRC+ across 381 plate appearances. His performance surpassed that of established stars like Trea Turner and Pete Alonso.
However, the season was marred by significant underperformances. Kevin Gausman struggled with a drop in velocity and an increase in ERA, raising concerns about his future as a frontline ace. His strikeout rate plummeted, and hitters made more contact against him.
Bo Bichette had a particularly rough season, slashing just .225/.277/.322 in 81 games. Injuries hampered his performance, including a calf strain and a broken finger late in the season. His struggles placed him among the lowest-performing hitters in baseball.
George Springer also faced a decline in production, with his power noticeably diminished. Despite hitting 19 home runs, his OPS fell to a disappointing .674. However, his barrel rate remained consistent, suggesting some potential for a bounce-back.
Alek Manoah started strong but missed the rest of the season due to elbow surgery. His absence left a gap in the rotation, highlighting the team’s pitching woes.
The bullpen proved to be one of the weakest aspects of the team, with closer Jordan Romano sidelined for much of the season due to elbow surgery. The overall bullpen ERA was a dismal 4.82, ranking among the worst in MLB.
Looking ahead, the Blue Jays will need to address several key needs, particularly in the bullpen. With Guerrero Jr. and Bichette entering the final year of their contracts, the team faces pressure to upgrade their roster significantly.
As they approach the offseason, the front office will need to make strategic moves to bolster the pitching staff and improve overall team depth. The performance of young players like Horwitz and prospects like Addison Barger will be crucial for the team’s future success.
With limited prospects in the pipeline, the Blue Jays have their work cut out for them. The offseason will be critical for shaping the direction of the franchise moving forward.