Breaking Down the Toronto Blue Jays Self-Inflicted Struggles
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Front Office Issues
The Blue Jays made some questionable offseason moves that failed to address their most pressing needs—hitting, hitting, and more hitting. Instead, they focused on utility players and defense, with Justin Turner as their only offensive-oriented acquisition. Despite last season's struggles at the plate, which contributed to their playoff exit, the front office, led by Ross Atkins, only added one established bat to the lineup, overlooking a range of available power hitters like Jorge Soler, J.D. Martinez, and Cody Bellinger.
Placing their faith in internal resources and dismissing 2023 as "just a blip on the radar" was a gamble for a team seeking a resurgence from its hitters while sustaining a pitching standard that many considered unsustainable. So far, that risk hasn’t paid off in 2024, leaving the front office needing to explain itself. Schneider's position is undoubtedly precarious, whether management believes a new leader could reverse the team’s decline or simply offer a fresh perspective that might translate to wins. Changing managers twice in three seasons could also point to a more systemic issue, but that remains to be seen.
While it’s easy to pin the blame on Schneider, the players need to produce better results on the field, and the front office must either bring in additional talent soon or be held accountable for the organization's persistent struggles dating back to the mid-2010s.
Although it's still early in the season, each day without improvement further reduces their chances of postseason success. The team hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016, and another year of falling short would indicate issues beyond just the manager. If Schneider is replaced, those responsible for the lack of postseason victories should also be scrutinized.
The post by Tyson Shushkewich appeared first on Just Baseball.
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Early Season Chaos in Toronto
The 2024 season has undeniably been a letdown for the Toronto Blue Jays. With a 17-20 record and a -44 run differential, they're the only team in the AL East below .500, surpassing only the Chicago White Sox, Miami Marlins, and Colorado Rockies in that regard.
Offensively, the team lacks a qualified hitter with an OPS above .800, and their scoring has been inconsistent, notably during a three-week stretch in April when they failed to produce more than six runs in any game. While Justin Turner, Davis Schneider, and a healthy Danny Jansen offer some positives, the team's struggles have overshadowed these bright spots early in the season.
The post by Tyson Shushkewich appeared first on Just Baseball.
Top of the Lineup Struggles
George Springer, Bo Bichette, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who typically anchor the lineup, had a rough start to the season. Bichette's struggles have led to a lineup demotion, and fans are clamoring for Springer to be taken out of the leadoff spot. However, Guerrero has recently started to find his groove at the plate, going 9-for-28 with a home run in his last seven games. Although his turnaround hasn't been marked by frequent, towering home runs, he's steadily regaining his form.
Pitching Question Marks
The Blue Jays' pitching staff has also faltered, once a strong point in the organization but now resembling a long-lasting solar eclipse. Injuries have tested the rotation's depth, and many pitchers are underperforming, contributing to multiple losses. With a collective 4.64 ERA, ranking 25th in the league, and allowing the fourth-highest opponent batting average at .260, the staff has struggled. The bullpen fares worse, posting a league-worst 5.23 ERA, surrendering 74 earned runs in 127 1/3 innings, and maintaining a 1.41 WHIP.
Despite these issues, a few pitchers, such as José Berríos (even after his latest outing), Yusei Kikuchi, and Yimi García, are exceeding expectations. However, the overall struggles of many pitchers through April and now into May are weighing down the entire group.
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Is John Schneider on the Hot Seat?
John Schneider, who took the reins from Charlie Montoyo midway through the 2022 season after progressing through the Jays' farm system, has borne the brunt of criticism this season and during last year’s playoffs (remember Berríos being pulled early?). That frustration spilled onto the field this week when Schneider was ejected after disputing a check-swing call with the third base umpire.
As manager, Schneider faces relentless scrutiny from media and fans as his team struggles to find consistency. Top players aren't performing as expected, injuries have weakened the pitching staff, and last season's dominant arms aren't delivering at the same level in 2024, putting the team in a difficult position each game. Schneider isn’t blameless, however, given his adherence to pre-planned strategies, like benching one of the team's best hitters, Davis Schneider, against right-handers, and keeping George Springer at the top of the lineup despite his .574 OPS.
The Jays’ coaching staff is known for its analytical approach, relying on data to justify sticking with struggling veterans. Yet Schneider’s questionable pitching decisions have, at times, shifted games in favor of the opposition. While second-guessing is inevitable in his role, if it becomes a pattern, more significant questions arise.
Even if Schneider were replaced by Don Mattingly or an external hire, accountability still falls on the players and the front office that built this roster. Schneider isn't the one recording sub-.600 OPS numbers or leaving sliders hanging over the plate. The roster’s struggles would remain, whether under Schneider, Mattingly, or anyone else.
Ultimately, players must take responsibility for their performances, especially those typically relied upon in high-stakes moments. The ability to adapt to opponents is crucial in the Major Leagues, and failing to adjust leads to losses given the level of talent across teams.
Front Office Issues
The Blue Jays made some questionable offseason moves that failed to address their most pressing needs—hitting, hitting, and more hitting. Instead, they focused on utility players and defense, with Justin Turner as their only offensive-oriented acquisition. Despite last season's struggles at the plate, which contributed to their playoff exit, the front office, led by Ross Atkins, only added one established bat to the lineup, overlooking a range of available power hitters like Jorge Soler, J.D. Martinez, and Cody Bellinger.
Placing their faith in internal resources and dismissing 2023 as "just a blip on the radar" was a gamble for a team seeking a resurgence from its hitters while sustaining a pitching standard that many considered unsustainable. So far, that risk hasn’t paid off in 2024, leaving the front office needing to explain itself. Schneider's position is undoubtedly precarious, whether management believes a new leader could reverse the team’s decline or simply offer a fresh perspective that might translate to wins. Changing managers twice in three seasons could also point to a more systemic issue, but that remains to be seen.
While it’s easy to pin the blame on Schneider, the players need to produce better results on the field, and the front office must either bring in additional talent soon or be held accountable for the organization's persistent struggles dating back to the mid-2010s.
Although it's still early in the season, each day without improvement further reduces their chances of postseason success. The team hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016, and another year of falling short would indicate issues beyond just the manager. If Schneider is replaced, those responsible for the lack of postseason victories should also be scrutinized.
The post by Tyson Shushkewich appeared first on Just Baseball.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Early Season Chaos in Toronto
The 2024 season has undeniably been a letdown for the Toronto Blue Jays. With a 17-20 record and a -44 run differential, they're the only team in the AL East below .500, surpassing only the Chicago White Sox, Miami Marlins, and Colorado Rockies in that regard.
Offensively, the team lacks a qualified hitter with an OPS above .800, and their scoring has been inconsistent, notably during a three-week stretch in April when they failed to produce more than six runs in any game. While Justin Turner, Davis Schneider, and a healthy Danny Jansen offer some positives, the team's struggles have overshadowed these bright spots early in the season.
The post by Tyson Shushkewich appeared first on Just Baseball.
