THE BASICS
Home stadium: TD Ballpark, Douglas Ave., Dunedin, FL 34698
Directions: Take U.S. 19 to Sunset Point and go west to Douglas Avenue. Go north on Douglas to the stadium. Information: 888-525-5297, 727-733-0429; Bluejays.com/spring Prospect to watch: Nate Pearson, RHP. Pearson’s fastball may be among 373 the best in baseball, particularly as his command has improved. Pearson complements the heater with a nasty slider, changes speeds with a curveball, and his changeup shows potential. The 23-yearold began the 2019 season in high Class A, posted a 2.59 ERA at Class AA before finishing the year at AAA, where he’ll return to start 2020.
Who will set up for closer Ken Giles?
The Blue Jays still don’t know who their high-leverage relievers are outside of closer Ken Giles. Right-hander Anthony Bass had a solid 2019 in Seattle (3.56 ERA), but pitching to AL East lineups is an entirely different affair. Wilmer Font struggled with inconsistency last year, but with his swing-and-miss ability he might have a higher ceiling.
There isn’t much other experience in place to help fill this role.
Toronto signed 32-year-old Shun Yamaguchi to a two-year, $6 million deal in the offseason. During his 14-year career in Japan, Yamaguchi was effective as a starter and out of the bullpen. Whether he can adjust to MLB competition remains to be seen. He might wind up pitching out of the rotation.
How will they replace Justin Smoak’s production?
From 2017 to 2019, Smoak hit 85 homers for the Blue Jays. Now, with Smoak playing for Milwaukee, Toronto will have to find production somewhere else in the lineup.
Newly signed first baseman Travis Shaw had a down year last season but hit 63 homers for Milwaukee between 2017 and 2018. If he can bounce back, he can take pressure off the rest of their young lineup.
Star prospect Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (.772 OPS) will look to build off a solid rookie campaign in 2019, while rookie Bo Bichette, the likely starting shortstop, should add some pop. If they both blossom in 2020, Jays fans might forget all about Smoak.
– Lex Pryor