Sometimes baseball decisions make perfect sense on paper but still leave fans feeling a little disappointed. The Toronto Blue Jays declining Myles Straw’s $8 million club option might be one of those decisions.

You can understand why the Blue Jays made the move. Straw wasn’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard with his bat, and $8 million is a fair amount of money for a player whose offensive production has been limited. Toronto has other needs to address this winter, particularly in the outfield.

Still, there’s something about losing a player like Straw that deserves a second look.

There Was More to Straw Than His Bat

Let’s face it. Straw wasn’t the guy Blue Jays fans expected to come through with a big home run in a tight game. He wasn’t going to carry the offence for a week or become the centrepiece of the lineup. But that’s not why you appreciated having him around.

Straw brought speed, energy, and dependable defence. He could cover ground in the outfield, handle different positions, and give the coaching staff another option when the lineup needed some adjusting.

He also seemed to understand his role. Not everybody needs to be a star. Sometimes you need players who show up, work hard, do the little things, and give you a dependable effort. Those players can become pretty easy to take for granted until they’re no longer around. It’s hard, as a fan, not to grow to appreciate a solid blue-collar player like Straw.

The Blue Jays Have Plans, but Straw Leaves a Gap

There’s no question Toronto needs to make some changes. Coming so close to a World Series championship last season and then missing the playoffs this year has left the Blue Jays with plenty to think about. They’re going to need more offence, and reports of interest in players such as Seiya Suzuki suggest they’re looking at ways to improve the outfield.

That’s understandable. You can’t stand still in baseball, particularly in the American League East. But replacing Straw isn’t simply about finding somebody who can hit more baseballs. Toronto also needs players who can defend, run, and contribute when they’re not having their best night at the plate.

Maybe the Blue Jays have somebody else in mind. Maybe there’s a better fit coming. For now, though, it’s fair to say Straw will be missed.

The Business Side of Baseball Makes Sense, But the Human Side Sometimes Doesn’t

Fans can understand the business side of this decision and still wish he were staying. There’s nothing wrong with both feelings.

Sometimes the players you miss most aren’t necessarily the biggest names on the roster. They’re the ones who quietly give you something dependable every night. Straw was that kind of player for Toronto.

Related: Seiya Suzuki Makes Sense for the Blue Jays, But Is That Enough?