Blue Jays Pitching: 2023 Season Review & What's Next

by Jhon Lennon 53 views

Hey baseball fans! Let's dive deep into the Blue Jays' pitching performance from the 2023 season. It was a wild ride, wasn't it? From incredible strikeouts to nail-biting finishes, the Blue Jays' pitchers kept us on the edge of our seats. We'll break down the key players, analyze their stats, and chat about what the future holds for this talented group. So, grab your peanuts and cracker jacks, and let's get started!

The Aces: Leading the Blue Jays' Rotation

First things first, let's talk about the guys who set the tone: the starting rotation. These are the workhorses, the pitchers who eat innings and give the team a chance to win. In 2023, the Blue Jays' rotation had its share of ups and downs, but there were some bright spots. Leading the charge, we had our ace, Kevin Gausman. This guy was a strikeout machine, consistently baffling hitters with his splitter. Gausman's ability to miss bats and navigate through tough lineups was crucial for the team's success. He demonstrated a very competitive mentality, taking the mound with intensity and drive every single game. He was the guy that you would want to be on the mound during critical games or during a slump that the team was having.

Then there's José Berríos. Though he had some rough patches, Berríos also gave us some solid outings. His experience and ability to grind through innings were invaluable to the team. Although his ERA wasn't always sparkling, he ate up innings and kept the team in the game. That is what a good veteran pitcher does; you cannot always be the ace. You must know how to adjust and to fight through adversity and difficulties. He knew how to adjust, and over the course of the season, he found ways to contribute. It's safe to say that he provided a stable presence in the rotation.

Yusei Kikuchi showed flashes of brilliance. Kikuchi proved that on any given day he could be unhittable. He had some amazing starts that gave fans a glimpse of his potential. He's got some serious stuff, and when he's on, he's a joy to watch. It's all about consistency, and that's the area he will need to focus on moving forward. Consistency comes from experience and a little bit of luck as well. Consistency is one of the most important things for a pitcher to be successful.

Finally, we saw Chris Bassitt join the team. He provided stability and experience to the rotation. Bassitt was a welcome addition to the team. His calm demeanor and ability to pitch deep into games made him an important piece of the puzzle. Chris has a knack for getting the ball over the plate and keeping the pitch count down. This is the difference in this team from last year. He provided innings, quality innings, and allowed the bullpen to get some rest.

The starting rotation is the backbone of any successful team. The 2023 Blue Jays had a rotation that was good, but not great. They need more consistency and perhaps a little more firepower if they want to compete for a championship. The team needs one more true ace to compete. All these guys are great but they need an ace to be able to make it to the next level.

Key Takeaways from the Starting Rotation:

  • Kevin Gausman: The clear ace, strikeout king, and consistent performer. He needs help and support from the other pitchers.
  • JosĂ© BerrĂ­os: Veteran presence and innings eater, but needs to find more consistency and perhaps a new pitch or two.
  • Yusei Kikuchi: High-ceiling potential, but needs to find consistency to reach his full potential. He has the tools to be a great pitcher.
  • Chris Bassitt: Reliable and experienced, providing stability to the rotation. He needs to go deeper into games.

The Bullpen: Holding Down the Fort

Now, let's head to the bullpen, the unsung heroes who come in to close out games or hold leads. The Blue Jays' bullpen was a mixed bag in 2023. There were moments of brilliance and times when we were all holding our breath. There were games where the bullpen completely shut down the opposition. Then there were other games where the team squandered the lead. The bullpen has always been and always will be the most volatile part of the team. You need a mix of everything in the bullpen: power arms, soft-tossers, long relievers, and closers.

Jordan Romano, the team's closer, was the rock of the bullpen. When he was on the mound, you felt good about the chances of getting a save. He's got that closer mentality, that ability to thrive under pressure. He is one of the best closers in the game. When he is healthy, the bullpen is a solid unit. Unfortunately, injuries hampered him at times. Injuries are part of baseball, and it is impossible to predict who will get injured and when. He still got the job done when he was healthy.

Erik Swanson was a key addition to the bullpen, providing a power arm that could shut down hitters. He had some dominant stretches. His presence gave the bullpen a boost. He provided a bridge to Romano and helped maintain leads late in the game. He can be very overpowering and hitters don't like to face him. He throws hard, and he is not afraid to throw it by them. That confidence and competitive spirit are what make him a good pitcher.

Tim Mayza and Yimi GarcĂ­a were reliable relievers, eating up innings and keeping the team in the game. They weren't flashy, but they were consistent. Veteran presence is crucial for a bullpen. They understand their roles and perform them well. You can always count on them to give you quality innings and get you through the seventh and eighth innings. They provide a calmness to the team.

Anthony Bass was another important piece, providing a steady presence in the middle innings. Although he had some off-the-field issues, he was a solid performer on the field. That is always a difficult position to be in, but he was always professional and did his job.

The bullpen, like the starting rotation, needs to be more consistent. The team needs to find more reliable arms to help bridge the gap between the starters and the closer. The bullpen will always be the most challenging position to build. It is tough to find quality relievers, but the Blue Jays need to find some to make a run at the championship.

Key Takeaways from the Bullpen:

  • Jordan Romano: The reliable closer, but needs more support and health.
  • Erik Swanson: Power arm, but needs to find consistency. He needs to find a way to stay consistent to become an elite reliever.
  • Tim Mayza & Yimi GarcĂ­a: Reliable veterans, providing stability. Great veteran presence.

Pitching Stats Deep Dive: Numbers Don't Lie

Let's get into the nitty-gritty and analyze some key pitching stats from the 2023 season. This will give us a better understanding of how the Blue Jays' pitchers performed and where they can improve. It helps to understand the numbers to fully appreciate the performance of the pitchers.

  • ERA (Earned Run Average): This is a fundamental stat, showing how many earned runs a pitcher gives up per nine innings. Gausman had an excellent ERA, leading the rotation. BerrĂ­os' ERA was higher, indicating more runs allowed. The ERA is a reflection of the pitcher's performance.
  • WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched): This stat measures how often a pitcher allows baserunners. A lower WHIP is better. Gausman and Bassitt had good WHIPs, indicating they were effective at limiting baserunners. WHIP gives us an understanding of how efficient the pitcher is.
  • Strikeout Rate: This measures how often a pitcher strikes out batters. Gausman led the team in strikeouts. A high strikeout rate is a sign of dominance. When you strike out a batter, you prevent them from getting on base. The best pitchers have the highest strikeout rates.
  • Opponent's Batting Average: This shows how often hitters get hits against a pitcher. A low opponent's batting average is a sign of effectiveness. Hitters can't get hits when pitchers are doing their jobs. Hitters cannot hit the baseball if they cannot make contact.

By examining these stats, we can see the strengths and weaknesses of the pitchers. Gausman's high strikeout rate and low ERA indicate he was a dominant force. BerrĂ­os' numbers suggest he needs to limit baserunners. Evaluating stats is essential to understanding the performance of any player.

Areas for Improvement: What the Blue Jays Need to Work On

Okay, let's talk about areas where the Blue Jays' pitching can improve. No team is perfect, and there's always room for growth. This is baseball; it is a game of adjustments and improvements.

  • Consistency: This is the biggest thing the team needs. The rotation and bullpen need to find a way to be more consistent throughout the season. They need to string together good outings and avoid the rough patches. Consistency comes with experience and with the right mental approach.
  • Bullpen Depth: The Blue Jays need to find more reliable arms for the bullpen. They need to find guys who can come in and get outs. They need to have a strong stable of relievers. The bullpen can't be a one-man show.
  • Injury Prevention: Staying healthy is essential. The team needs to implement strategies to keep pitchers on the field. This includes proper training, rest, and recovery. Injuries can derail any season. This is the hardest part of the game; there is no way to predict or prevent injuries.
  • Command: Improving command and limiting walks will be key. If you don't allow runners to get on base, you'll be more successful. Pitchers must work on their command. They must learn how to get the ball over the plate.

By focusing on these areas, the Blue Jays can take their pitching to the next level. The team has the talent, but they need to refine their skills. They can take that next step. Improvement requires hard work and dedication.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Blue Jays' Pitching

So, what's in store for the Blue Jays' pitching in the future? The team has a solid foundation, but they need to make some key decisions. What will the team do to improve?

  • Free Agency: The front office needs to assess the free-agent market. They may need to sign a veteran starter or add some bullpen depth. Free agency can be a great way to improve the team. They have to assess where they are and see where the team can be improved.
  • Player Development: The team needs to continue developing young pitchers in their farm system. Developing young talent is important for long-term success. The farm system is a source of talent that needs to be developed.
  • Coaching Staff: The team needs to have the right coaching staff in place. The coaches will need to develop talent and to keep the pitchers on the right track. The coaches are there to help the pitchers reach their full potential.

With the right moves, the Blue Jays can have a dominant pitching staff for years to come. The future is bright if they make the right moves. The team is on the right path. It is all about the decisions that are made.

Potential Breakout Candidates:

  • Alek Manoah: The team is hoping that he can return to his form. He needs to find his command and get back on track. He has the stuff to be an ace. He just needs to get his mechanics right.
  • Nate Pearson: He's got the stuff, and he's been working on his mechanics. He's got the potential to be a dominant reliever. He needs to stay healthy and be given opportunities.

Conclusion: Wrapping Up the Season

Alright, guys, that's a wrap on our analysis of the Blue Jays' pitching from the 2023 season. It was a thrilling, often unpredictable year. The team has some real talent on the mound. The team can improve if they continue to work hard. The team has the talent to be a championship contender.

What do you think, Blue Jays fans? Who were your favorite pitchers? What improvements do you want to see next year? Let us know in the comments below! Go Jays!