2017 Wildcard Bluejays Team Preview

Marcus Stroman (Tor - SP)

Summary: The theme here should be build, build, build and that is what Wildcard Blue Jays (WB) has done. The team experienced some high points last season but will likely remain on the outside looking unless it's one hit wonders become everyday producers and its starters live up to their talents.  

Offense: By the looks of things, it appears WB's young offense is finally beginning to produce with the chance for much more. It all starts with reigning NL MVP Kris Bryant (ChC-3B,1B,OF) who age 25 should only improve and will remain a foundation to build on. On the brink of super-stardom are the team's impressive duo of shortstops, Addison Russell (ChC-SS) and Francisco Lindor (Cle-SS), both of whom were champions from their respective leagues at age 23. Teaming up on the youth train is Cuban import Yoan Moncoda (ChW-3B) who many consider the #1 prospect in baseball even though he now finds himself on a new team. Veteran Adrian Beltre (Tex-3B) remains a productive talent as he nears age 38 and might be a nice trade target for a contender. 2016 All-Stars Jackie Bradley, Jr. (Bos-OF) and Adam Duvall (Cin-OF) surprised with their breakout seasons though will be pressed to repeat as both faded in the 2nd half. Mashers Jake Lamb (Ari-3B) and Khris Davis (Oak-OF) hit 71 homers between the two of them but also need refinement after striking out a combined 321 times. Former Mississippi State standout Hunter Renfroe (SD-OF) was excellent during his cup of coffee last season, Rule-5 pick Matt Wieters (Was-C) should once again be a capable backstop if healthy and Jorge Alfaro (Phi-C) should be a fine young backup in a hitters park. Prospects Brett Phillips (Mil-OF) and Austin Meadows (Pit-OF) should see time in the majors this season with legacy Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. (Tor-OF) getting seasoned in the minors. This offense features a lot to like with Bryant, Lindor and Russell as top talents with bats Bradley, Duvall, Lamb and Davis as currently inconsistent yet capable producers. Beltre will likely be shopped to add young talent but this team is building in the right direction. 

Pitching: Coming off an All-Star season, many believed Sonny Gray (Oak-SP) and Dallas Keuchel (Hou-SP) would continue to improve but instead neither looked right and WB will need a big rebound from both. When it comes to stuff, few can compete with Carlos Rodon (ChW-SP), Jose Berrios (Min-SP) and Marcus Stroman (Tor-SP) though the results have yet to translate. Sadly, WB's most consistent starter was Marco Estrada who's results were still not up to snuff at 9-9. Prospect Blake Snell (TB-SP) premiered last season and will look to build while prospects Dillon Tate (Tex-SP), Kyle Freeland (Col-SP), and Vladimir Gutierrez (Cin-SP) all look worthwhile in the minors. Closers Roberto Osuna (Tor-RP) and Huston Street (LAA-RP) should be middle of the pack in save if Street can hold on to the job. WB's starters have lots of talent and should remain a hold as they are much better than they showed in 2016. 

Draft: While the WB's team is fairly balanced it does lack certain star power especially in its starting rotation with the patience to develop some young talent.  So, expect this team to target the best player available with a slight lean on arms over bats during its 3 picks.   

Prediction:
RD 1: Adrian Morejon (SD - SP) - Worth the wait as many consider him best prospect arm
RD 2: Tyer Jay (Min - SP) - Resurgence from last year to be expected from young arm
RD 3: Marcell Ozuna (Mia - OF) - Much better than most people believe and only age 26
RD 4: Matt Wieters (Was - C) - Rule-5 
RD 5: Vladimir Gutierrez (Cin - SP) - Keeper
RD 6: Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. (Tor - OF) - Keeper

Prospect Draft:
RD 1: Patrick Weigel (Atl - SP)
RD 2: Eric Lauer (SD - SP)
RD 3: Randy Arozarena (Stl - SS)