Baseball is back! Introducing your 2024 Toronto Blue Jays lineup for the season opener in Tampa

As spring arrives and breathes new life into nature, the familiar sounds of birdsong fill the air, and the once-dominant snow begins its long-awaited retreat, heralding the arrival of baseball season. Yes, it’s that time again when the Toronto Blue Jays prepare for another exciting season of America’s beloved pastime. Come Thursday March 28 spring training is over, and the first of the162-game marathon starts on the road against Tampa Bay. Let’s take a close look at the Toronto Blue Jays’ opening day roster for 2024.

Can Anyone Say Pete Rose?

As we announce the opening day roster for 2024, it’s crucial to recognize the departures and additions to the team. One notable player the Jays narrowly missed signing for a massive $700 million is Shohei Ohtani who is now under investigation for allegedly gambling hundreds of millions of dollars on baseball, echoing shades of Pete Rose.

Among the departing faces are Brandon Belt and Matt Chapman, creating space for the arrival of veteran slugger Justin Turner this season. Regardless of these changes, the overall makeup of the team remains largely unchanged.

Pitching

Jays’ manager John Schneider recently unveiled the final decisions regarding the bullpen, announcing Wednesday that Mitch White, Nate Pearson, and Wes Parsons secured the remaining spots. Unfortunately, Zach Pop and Yariel Rodriguez were sent down to Triple-A Buffalo as they continue their development.

Injuries

Relievers Jordan Romano, dealing with right elbow inflammation, and Erik Swanson, experiencing right forearm tightness, are slated to begin the season on the 15-day injured list. Additionally, catcher Danny Jansen, nursing a fractured right middle finger, will start on the 10-day IL.

Pitcher Alek Manoah, managing shoulder soreness, is expected to join the IL too, with a potential move to the 60-day IL to accommodate slugger Daniel Vogelbach and free up a roster spot. Some pundits are predicting Manoah’s career could be over or he’ll be traded within the first few weeks of the season.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the 26-man roster as the regular season kicks off on Thursday against the Rays.

Toronto Blue Jays 2024 Roster

Alejandro Kirk, Catcher

Kirk boasted a .250 batting average, 8 home runs, and 43 runs batted in during the 2023 season. His 2024 salary stands at $2.8 million. Kirk will assume the starting role as the primary catcher following Jansen’s wrist injury during camp. The former All-Star from 2022 aims for a rebound season after a disappointing performance last year.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., First Base

Vladdy recorded a .264 batting average with 26 home runs and 94 RBIs in 2023, earning a salary of $19.9 million for 2024. Guerrero showcased an impressive spring with seven extra-base hits in 41 at-bats. Despite recent underwhelming seasons, he appears poised for a breakout year, especially with free agency looming after 2025.

Cavan Biggio, Second base

Biggio a versatile player covering second base and outfield, maintained a .235 batting average with 9 home runs and 40 RBIs in 2023, earning $4.21 million for 2024. He is expected to start at second base against right-handed pitching and can fill in as an outfield option as needed. Biggio will bat ninth in the lineup, boasting a career .345 on-base percentage.

Bo Bichette, Shortstop

Perhaps the best hitter in the American League, posted a stellar .306 batting average with 20 home runs and 73 RBIs in 2023, earning a salary of $12.08 million for 2024. With a potential batting title in his future, Bichette ranked third in the AL for batting average and fourth in hits last year. Despite Guerrero’s power, Bichette has proven to be the more consistent and superior hitter over their first five seasons.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Third base

He was acquired by the Jays after missing out on other free agents while perusing Shohei Ohtani. Kiner-Falefa is renowned for his versatility at third base and utility roles. In 2023, he posted a .242 batting average with 6 home runs and 37 RBIs, securing a salary of $7.5 million for 2024. His singing during the off-season sparked debates due to his exceptional defensive skills overshadowing his less than impressive offensive output.

Daulton Varsho, Left field

Varsho primarily plays in left field, seeks a rebound after a terrible first season with the Jays, posting a .220 batting average with 20 home runs and 61 RBIs in 2023. He earns $5.65 million in 2024, offering value through his fielding and baserunning, despite a dip in home runs and OPS from the previous year.

Kevin Kiermaier, Centre field

Kiermaier enters 2024 with a salary of $10.5 million after signing a one-year deal with the Jays. While his defensive skills enhance the Jays’ lineup, his offensive contributions remain modest, signaling limited offensive potential.

George Springer, Right field

Was the right fielder 2023 performance the start of a declining career or an anomaly? Despite a healthy season, his 21 home runs and .732 OPS marked a decline. Springer earns $24.17 million in 2024, hopefully posing a pivotal figure in the team’s offensive dynamics.

Justin Turner, designated hitter and infielder

Turner arrives with notable contributions, boasting a .276 batting average with 23 home runs and 96 RBIs in 2023, earning $13 million. His versatility across infield positions and designated hitter role strengthens the Jays’ lineup, likely starting in the cleanup spot.

Brian Serven, the backup catcher

Serven steps in for Kirk temporarily, providing stability until Jansen returns from the IL. With modest offensive output expectations, Serven’s defensive reliability remains his primary asset.

Ernie Clement, a utility infielder

Clement earned his roster spot through an impressive spring performance, batting .362 and showcasing versatility across infield positions.

Davis Schneider

Schneider is expected to be a feature at second base or left field against left-handed pitchers, stands as a rising talent after an impactful rookie season in 2023.

Daniel Vogelbach, primarily a designated hitter

Vogelbach faces pressure to perform amid Joey Votto’s looming return from injury. Vogelbach’s role hinges on his offensive output, especially against right-handed pitchers, as he aims to solidify his place in the lineup. On the other hand, some pundits predict Votto will be lucky if he even makes the minor league roster.

STARTING ROTATION

Kevin Gausman, Right-Handed Pitcher (RHP)

Gausman boasted a 12-9 record with a 3.16 earned-run average (ERA) and a 1.18 walks/hits per inning (WHIP) in 2023, earning a salary of $22 million for 2024. Despite initial setbacks with a shoulder issue, Gausman rebounded in spring training, showcasing his ace status with a strong performance against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

José Berríos, Right-Handed Pitcher (RHP)

Berrios recorded an 11-12 record with a 3.65 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP in 2023, earning a salary of $17,714,286 for 2024. After a challenging 2022 season, Berríos demonstrated his worth with improved stats, earning recognition with a Gold Glove and becoming a pivotal part of the rotation.

Chris Bassitt, Right-Handed Pitcher (RHP)

Bassitt tallied a 16-8 record with a 3.60 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP in 2023, earning a salary of $22 million for 2024. Despite a rough start upon joining the team, Bassitt evolved into a reliable starter, leading the league with 33 starts and contributing over 200 innings, crucial for the team’s success this season.

Yusei Kikuchi, Left-Handed Pitcher (LHP)

Kikuchi marked an 11-6 record with a 3.86 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP in 2023, earning a salary of $10 million for 2024. Kikuchi experienced contrasting seasons recently, from a disappointing 2022 to a stellar 2023, leading to uncertainties about his consistency, especially highlighted by a shaky spring training performance.

Bowden Francis, Right-Handed Pitcher (RHP)

Francis showed promise with a 1-0 record, 1 save, a 1.73 ERA, and a 0.83 WHIP in 2023, earning a modest salary for 2024. The young pitcher’s impressive spring performance secured his spot in the rotation, offering depth and potential for growth.

BULLPEN

Genesis Cabrera, Left-Handed Pitcher (LHP),

Cabrera delivered a solid 2023 performance with a 2.66 ERA, 6 holds, and a 0.97 WHIP after joining Toronto. With an affordable salary, Cabrera brings stability to the bullpen.

Yimi García, Right-Handed Pitcher (RHP)

Garcia showcased mixed results in 2023 but excelled in critical situations, making him a valuable asset in closing games, especially with Romano’s absence due to injury.

Chad Green, Right-Handed Pitcher (RHP)

Green previously an impressive reliever with the Yankees, aims to regain top form after recovering from Tommy John surgery, bringing experience and potential to the bullpen.

Tim Mayza, Left-Handed Pitcher (LHP)

Mayza with his longevity with the team and consistent performances, offers reliability and versatility, crucial for middle relief situations.

Trevor Richards, Right-Handed Pitcher (RHP)

Richards known for his changeup and stability during critical periods, provides a valuable bridge in relief situations, albeit with occasional struggles against power hitters.

Wes Parsons, Right-Handed Pitcher (RHP)

Parsons with experience as a starter, offers depth and endurance in long relief scenarios, complementing the bullpen’s needs.

Nate Pearson, Right-Handed Pitcher (RHP)

Once a highly touted prospect Pearson seeks a breakthrough season amid opportunities arising from injuries, showcasing his potential and contributing significantly to the team’s success.

Mitch White, Right-Handed Pitcher (RHP)

White aims to bounce back from previous struggles and tap into his late-season successes, playing a pivotal role in providing flexibility and depth as a swingman within the pitching staff.

The World Series chances?

While the Blue Jays unveil their opening day roster for the 2024 season, anticipation and excitement fill the air. With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent, the team appears poised for a competitive campaign ahead. The additions of key players like Justin Turner bring depth and experience to critical positions, complementing the core strengths of stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. While challenges and uncertainties are inherent in any season, the Blue Jays’ roster composition and potential synergies offer hope for a successful run towards World Series contention.

With determination, skill, and a bit of luck, the Blue Jays stand a solid chance of making a deep postseason run and competing for baseball’s ultimate prize, the World Series championship.

by Myles Shane

Other articles from totimes.ca – otttimes.ca – mtltimes.ca