Smoak feels love from fans

Shaw is also seven years younger than Encarnacion, and four years younger than Smoak.

The signing could limit time at first base for Tellez. The 24year-old hit 21 homers over 370 at-bats this past season, but a lack of patience at the plate and defence struggles were issues.

“I’m pulling for Rowdy,” Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said earlier this month. “I love the kid, and I see potential there.”

It remains to be seen how the playing time will work out, but there is no doubt that the newcomer has big shoes to fill when it comes to replacing Smoak, who agreed to a one-year deal worth $4 million with the Brewers.

While his production tipped in 2019 — Smoak slashed .208/ .342/.406 while striking out more than a quarter of the time — the last remaining connection to the Jays teams that went to the American League Championship Series in 2015 and 2016 outperformed his salary with 85 homers and an .819 OPS over his last deal (two years, $8.5 million) and grew into an important veteran presence in the Jays clubhouse.

There was an outpouring of love for Smoak from Toronto fans on social media after his new deal was announced — the same day the Brewers signed another former Jay, infielder Eric Sogard. Smoak released a statement through his former club, calling his time in Toronto a “unique” experience.

He also offered one last piece of advice about Toronto, which now applies to Shaw: “Explore the city, embrace the experience and get involved in this amazing community … you will not regret it.”