Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani have needed their teams’ support even in their best seasons (Source: Getty Images)
The Blue Jays started the year with a $236 million payroll but are currently 67-74. Things haven’t gone their way and while much of it has been due to inconsistent performances, there are serious questions about the way they have spent their money. With only Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as a potent figure in the batting lineup, the Blue Jays have had little offensive success.
On the Blair & Barker podcast, co-host Kevin Barker indicated that an entire team’s offense cannot fall on one player’s shoulders. He took examples of the Yankees and the Dodgers, both teams that have gone out of their way to secure consecutive powerful at-bats at the top of their order.
“Look at all the good teams at the top end, all you need to know is that GM President had to run out and get Soto to help Judge,” Barker said. “All you need to know, superman needs help. Look at what the Dodgers did, they have three Hall of Famers in a row in a lineup because they need them. If you want to win consistently, you just align your team with as much power as possible.”
Co-host Jeff Blair added to Barker’s words. He pointed out how the Blue Jays have been unable to build a solid offensive lineup.
“I look at all the teams that are going to make the playoffs,” Blair said. “For the most part, the thing that separates the Jays from them for me is homers … I don’t like the way the Jays have gone about this whole emphasis on defense and pitching.
“I don’t think defense necessarily wins in the postseason. Home runs wins it in the postseason, power hitting wins it in the postseason.”
Expensive pitching staff primary reason for bloated Blue Jays payroll
The Blue Jays started the year by spending $111 million on their pitching staff. This included a massive $75.7 million on the starting rotation that included Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, Jose Berrios, Yusei Kikuchi and Yariel Rodriguez.
Cut to September, with Kikuchi traded to the Astros, the Blue Jays are perhaps looking at a dialed-down rotation for 2025. With Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s free agency coming up and a necessity to cut down on the payroll due to a competitive tax balance, Toronto will have to make some harsh decisions this offseason.
