The Toronto Blue Jays have not won the World Series since claiming back-to-back championships in 1992 and 1993. That title-less streak may come to an end in 2023, according to MLB analyst Tom Verducci.
“I think they’re a force,” Verducci said on MLB Network’s “Hot Stove” morning show. “I think this is a 95-plus win team.”
The Toronto Blue Jays finished second to the New York Yankees in the American League East last season with a 92-70 record. Toronto claimed the top wild-card slot, but were swept in a first-round playoff series by the Seattle Mariners.
The team lost starting pitcher Ross Stripling via free agency to the San Francisco Giants, but replaced him by signing hurler Chris Bassitt from the New York Mets.
Bassitt’s addition gives the Blue Jays one of the strongest starting rotations in MLB on paper. Alek Manoah, an All-Star who posted a 16-7 record with a 2.24 ERA in his first full big league season in 2022, leads the staff, followed by Kevin Gausman and Bassitt.
The wild card is Jose Berrios, whom Toronto acquired from the Minnesota Twins in 2021, only to watch his ERA balloon from 3.52 to 5.23 in 2022. If he returns to form, he would be one of the best No. 4 starters in the league.
The team further enhanced their position heading into 2023 by signing first baseman/designated hitter Brandon Belt and outfielder Kevin Kiermaier, as well as trading for outfielder Daulton Varsho, while also naming former Miami Marlins manager Don Mattingly as a bench coach.
They join a team that already boasts a heavy-hitting lineup that features outfielders George Springer and Bo Bichette, as well as first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and third baseman Matt Chapman, to name but a few.
“It’s hard for me to find a team that had a better offseason,” Verducci said.
The Blue Jays are expected to contend for division and league titles this coming season. They are among the favorites to win next autumn’s World Series.
