Following a beneficial offseason for the Blue Jays, where several areas of their lineup improved, there’s plenty of reason for optimism among fans this season. The Blue Jays’ bullpen has been amplified, a surge with offense and a rock-solid rotation that could help boost their chances of reaching the postseason. All these upgrades, along with projected rebound and breakout performances, suggest the Blue Jays will give fans more to cheer about this year than in 2024.
We’re ready for a fight this season. #OpeningDay
The Main Event: Narrated by @arielhelwani pic.twitter.com/fTGomRatL8
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) March 27, 2025
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Reasons for Optimism for Blue Jays Fans This Season
The Bullpen
Last season, the Blue Jays bullpen ranked last in the American League with a 4.82 ERA. It was a poor display, but this season, it will likely turn a corner. The addition of new closer Jeff Hoffman, the return of setup man Yimi Garcia, and some other new relief arms all comprise a revamped bullpen. Other new relievers will be Jacob Barnes, Nick Sandlin, Richard Lovelady, Nick Robertson, and Yariel Rodríguez, making a transition to the bullpen after starting in the past. The Blue Jays have plenty of high-leverage relievers, which will come in handy. Hoffman was the highlight of the bullpen offseason acquisitions, but Sandlin is an under-the-radar reliever who should provide key contributions for the bullpen.
The Starting Rotation
The Blue Jays’ rotation looks solid with the addition of veteran acquisition Max Scherzer. Scherzer will do a fine job of helping to bridge the gap that the Blue Jays are missing from getting to the postseason. They have plenty of veteran arms, and Bowden Francis, the youngest of the bunch, has proven himself worthy of a rotation spot this season. All told, the Jays’ rotation could be rock solid if all goes to plan. Scherzer’s all-in strategy has already been talked about. He wants to win, and his competitive urgency will boost a rotation already filled with workhorses that will provide you with innings. Jose Berrios, Kevin Gausman, and Chris Bassitt each have their weapons of success, and also provide reliability. With Scherzer joining the rotation, he should provide leadership, experience, and wisdom.
Santander’s Impact Offensively
The Blue Jays boosted their offense by signing power hitter Anthony Santander. Having him with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette in the lineup could cause some serious damage offensively. Santander smashed 44 home runs in 2024 with the Baltimore Orioles. He will amplify a Blue Jays offense that struggled with hitting home runs last season. Santander also provides extra versatility as a switch hitter. His presence in the lineup batting behind Vladdy, who is poised to put up big numbers himself in his contract year, poses more of a threat in the middle order of the lineup. Overall, it creates more chances for the offense to score.
Last season was a disappointment for the Blue Jays, as they finished last in the AL East with a 74-88 record. But with plenty of new faces, and the mainstays primed to bounce back or continue their strong performances, Toronto could make a push to contend in a competitive division.
The post Three Reasons Blue Jays Fans Should Have More Optimism This Season appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.