WILNER ON THE BLUE JAYS OFF-SEASON

It was the biggest collapse in Blue Jays history.”

That was Blue Jays analyst Mike Wilner on Thursday’s Rod Pedersen show, discussing the teams infamous 10-9 loss in game 2 of their American League Wild Card series against the Seattle Mariners. 

The Jays entered the sixth inning with a 8-1 lead, before surrendering four runs in the sixth, and eighth innings. Then Mariners second baseman Adam Frazier, hit the game winning RBI single in the top of the ninth inning. 

“This is going to be in Blue Jays lore,” emphasized Wilner. “It was 8-1, and that’s what you’re going to hear for the next 100 years.”

The Blue Jays made their first notable offseason move this past week. Outfielder Teoscar Hernandez was dealt to the Seattle Mariners for pitchers Erik Swanson, and Adam Mecko. 

“No trade is ever easy,” Jays General manager Ross Atkins exclaimed in his media appearance, discussing the Hernandez move. “Fortunately it made sense for both teams.” 

According the Wilner, the logic of trading the two-time silver slugger award winner is simple. 

“It opens up plenty of cap space,” exclaims Wilner, “and a spot in the outfield for a left-handed hitter that they need.”

One team that possesses an abundance of left-handed hitting outfielders are the Arizona Diamondbacks. According to recent reports from the Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the trio of Daulton Varsho, Alex Thomas, and Jake McCarthy are all available. 

Another option for the Jays, is 2019 National League MVP Cody Bellinger. The former Dodger outfielder recently became a free agent.

“Bellinger’s deal,” explains Wilner, “is, he’s an elite defensive centre-fielder, with great speed, and phenomenal athleticism. But he hurt his shoulder in the 2019 playoffs. He’s been a terrible hitter since.”

While Wilner understands why teams would want to take their chance on Bellinger returning to 2019 form, in his opinion, the risk isn’t worth it for the Jays.

“I don’t want him signing with the Blue-jays if he’s gonna cost that much money,”  argues Wilner.  “That is not a guy who you can say ‘we got our centre fielder, we’re good now, that’s a spot filled.”

While the Blue Jays continue to improve their roster over the offseason, recent league developments will also play a role in potentially raising the ceiling of their 2023 campaign. 

Beginning in the 2023 season every team will play at least one series against the league’s other 29 teams. This is Major League Baseball’s attempt to put some balance in the schedule.

The Jays will look forward to less games against their divisional rivals, in favour of more games against weaker competition.

“I could see every team (but the Boston Red Sox) in the American League East winning 95 games next year with the balanced schedule,” argues Wilner. “There will be 7 less games where teams have to beat up on each other, so they can beat up on everyone else across the Major league.”