The Toronto Blue Jays are currently on a 7 game win streak and have brought themselves closer to a playoff spot. Here are the three things I think need to happen or the Blue Jays to make the playoffs;
1. Alejandro Kirk needs to become the starting catcher
Danny Jansen isn’t the optimal choice at the catcher position. Don’t get me wrong, Jansen is great defensively, but his bat is very weak in the lineup. Since last season, Jansen has hit under .200 with an OBP under .300. On the other side, Alejandro Kirk has a good bat but lacks defensive skills. He’s currently hitting .279 with 7 home runs this year.
The Blue Jays need to make Kirk the official number 1 catcher for the rest of the season.
Short porch, BIG power 😤
🚀 @alejandro_kirk 🚀 pic.twitter.com/ozT05QLc6p
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) September 7, 2021
2. Nate Pearson needs to become the Set-Up Man in the bullpen
Pearson has been a disappointment this year, as he was supposed to be the big talking point for this Jays’ rotation. Luckily for the Jays, Alek Manoah has been great in the rotation and has earned his spot for the rest of the season. Pearson has been dealing with injuries all year, but now he’s healthy and will be pitching from the Jays bullpen.
Currently, the Jays top arms in the bullpen are Jordan Romano and Adam Cimber. They need another flame thrower to complement Romano and if Pearson performs this bullpen becomes an actual threat.
Merryweather was also activated from the IL yesterday, something to keep an eye on.
Nate Pearson struck out the side to close out the @BlueJays victory. pic.twitter.com/clKT4CQNmD
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) September 5, 2021
3. George Springer Needs To Stay Healthy
Springer has had a couple IL stints this season, but when healthy this Jays team is a wagon. The Jays paid the man lots of money for a reason and has brought energy and production to this lineup.
Springer is currently has a .260 AVG with a .354 OBP. He has 16 Homeruns with 35 RBIs. The JAYS NEED SPRINGER IN THIS LINEUP. Without Springer, the outfield is 100% downgraded.
If the Jays want to sneak in the wild card game, they need Springer healthy and knocking in runs.