Blue Jays grades at the quarter mark: Position players

The Blue Jays won four straight games for the first time all season, improving to two games below .500. Pitching has been strong recently, especially in relief, though a Saturday loss included four earned runs against Paul Skenes. The team is improving even without a full lineup, with Alejandro Kirk and Addison Barger progressing toward rehab assignments. Position-player grades after the quarter mark account for both on-field performance and expectations. Yohendrick Piñango earns an A+ for disciplined plate appearances, rare chasing, hard contact, and strong production, including a .313/.353/.422 line, a 121 wRC+, and extra-base hits. Brandon Valenzuela provides steady catching value, posting four Defensive Runs Saved and 6 Fielding Run Value over 230.2 innings, ranking tied for third in DRS.

"For the first time all season, the Blue Jays have won four consecutive games, moving to two games back of .500. Pitching has been great, in recent times, especially their relief pitch. However, Saturday's game was the type of game you'd expect the 2025 Blue Jays to play, scoring four earned against Paul Skenes."

"Piñango deserves an A+ for a handful of reasons. The most important factor is that Piñango has given the Blue Jays 2025-esque plate appearances, rarely chasing and hitting the ball hard. Performance alone earns him an A+ grade, slashing .313/.353/.422 with a home run and four doubles in 68 plate appearances. His 121 wRC+ ranks as the best on the team."

"The outfielder has also exceeded expectations, then some. They have to keep him on the 26-man roster when the lineup is healthy."

"Behind the plate, you barely even notice the difference, as Valenzuela has four Defensive Runs Saved and 6 Fielding Run Value in 230.2 innings caught. He ranks tied for third in DRS, and tied for"

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