#toronto-blue-jays

#toronto-blue-jays

Vlad Guerrero Jr., he always looks good... That man is motivated. That man, as we saw in the postseason, the entire world got a glimpse of what Toronto fans already knew. He is not just a hitter. He is not just a power hitter... He is an above-average defender at first base, and he is an excellent baserunner, as well.

The Toronto Blue Jays came very close to winning their first World Series championship in over three decades last season, coming up just short in a grueling seven-game series against the eventual champions in the Los Angeles Dodgers. As a result, the Blue Jays will now have to wait for another chance for a potential title.

Louis Varland has the attitude and arsenal to be a successful closer. His fastball sat at 98 mph last season, and he generated ground balls at an elite 53.3% rate. He showed throughout the playoffs that he has a rubber arm and, more importantly, a short memory. Hoffman often let his struggles snowball; Varland may be better equipped mentally to turn the page after a shaky outing.

When Ray was traded to the Jays, he was at an all-time low in terms of value. An ERA of 7.84 in 12 games in Arizona saw him lose his spot in the rotation, and the Diamondbacks were content with letting him walk away for a little return. Toronto signed Ray the following winter to a one-year, $8 million contract, and it turned out to be one of the best buy-low gambles for the team.

On the bullpen side, the team signed Tyler Rogers to give the relief core a different look with his submarine delivery. Still, the age-old adage stands: you can never have enough relievers and looking back at 2025, the Jays could have used a few more arms down in the bullpen to provide some stability when things were going off the rails.

I just want to start off by acknowledging my wife, Kayla, who is not only the strongest person that I know, but a support system for me every bit as much as I am for her. Part of what I am here to share is on behalf of the both of us. I will start off by thanking the Dodgers: Andrew Friedman, Brandon Gomes, Doc, the whole coaching staff, and all of my teammates.

Spencer's first three collegiate seasons were spent at Indiana State, posting a 5.63 ERA and 5.26 FIP in his freshman season, a 3.86 ERA and 3.90 FIP in 37.1 innings pitched in his sophomore season in 2023, and a 4.08 ERA and 3.54 FIP in 2024. His final season with Indiana State saw him start nine of 18 games, after spending the 2023 season as the Sycamores' closer.