As the 2024 Major League Baseball season draws nearer, Toronto Blue Jay fans anxiously await their favorite team’s opening game on March 28. With every new season, MLB franchises always have questions surrounding their roster. Three key questions for the Toronto Blue Jays include Alek Manoah, Davis Schneider, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Each of these players faces uncertainty as the season gets underway.
Will Alek Manoah’s Struggle Continue?
Alek Manoah had a horrendous season last year. He put up a 3-9 record while recording a 5.87 ERA in 19 starts. This was a shock at the start of the season, as Manoah had an outstanding season in 2022. That year he was an All-Star, who finished third in American League Cy-Young award voting. What happened in 2023?
From the beginning of the year, he struggled. As a result, he was sent down to Triple-A on two separate occasions. The introduction of the pitch clock may have very well messed up his pitch timing on the mound. Having gone through that experience, the Toronto Blue Jays expect better results from the starting pitcher in 2024. He is dealing with a minor shoulder injury he suffered in spring training. Once he is feeling better, Manoah will look to join the team as soon as possible.
Davis Schneider, is He Legit?
Davis Schneider had a legendary debut with the Toronto Blue Jays. The home run in his first at-bat in Fenway Park is quite unbelievable. He went on to destroy the Boston Red Sox that series having nine hits including two home runs in the series. From that moment on, Schneider was a fan favorite. His signature moustache could be seen throughout the stands, as his fans showed him constant support. His dream had come true, now we wonder, will he continue in 2024?
With the departures of Matt Chapman, Whit Merrifield, and Santiago Espinal, Schneider will get a fantastic opportunity this season. He will be a utility player for this team, as he has spent time in the outfield and infield during spring training. Do you think he can be an effective player in 2024?
Will MVP Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Return?
The past couple of seasons have been disappointing for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Ever since his 2021 runner-up MVP season, his play has fallen off. All of his hitting stats have significantly decreased while his team has struggled to have clutch hitting. It did not help him last year when John Schneider regularly changed up the hitting order. This year, the Toronto Blue Jays are more prepared.
With the addition of Justin Turner, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will have more hitting support. Turner had 96 runs batted in in 2023, which will help out this lineup. With Turner and Guerrero Jr. most likely hitting third and fourth in the lineup, hopefully, this team will drive in more runs. Do you think Vladimir Guerrero Jr will have another MVP-caliber season? Or will he continue his current play style?
These three key questions for the Toronto Blue Jays will determine their success in the 2024 season.
