The Toronto Blue Jays have a superb roster that, talent-wise, should be able to compete for the American League pennant, but at 65-58, they’re in fourth place in the American League East, and four and a half games out of the second AL Wild Card seed.

Wait, what?

Yes, the Blue Jays are a respectable team with upside, yet they’re in fourth place in their division. This isn’t a situation where the Blue Jays are a bad team or regressing. Ironically, they’re currently three games better than they were in the sport’s 60-game 2020 regular season.

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The Blue Jays’ dilemma when it comes to competing in the AL is that they’re blocked by their own division.

 

Toronto Blue Jays have a well-rounded ballclub

Regarding their roster, manager Charlie Montoyo has a deep and well-versed team that has only improved with age. The Blue Jays have one of the best and most promising offensive attacks in MLB. An order featuring the likes of potential AL MVP Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, Teoscar Hernandez, Marcus Semien, Randal Grichuk and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. can go toe-to-toe with any team.

On the whole, the Blue Jays entered Tuesday second in MLB in batting average (.263), OPS (.781) and home runs (186), third in hits (1,089) and sixth in runs (624). This has come with George Springer missing most of the season due to injuries and Cavan Biggio losing grip in the big leagues.

A once worrisome topic for their sake, the Blue Jays’ starting rotation has blossomed into a sturdy force. Hyun-Jin Ryu is an ace. Robbie Ray is having a resurgent campaign. Rookie Alek Monoah has been spectacular. Steven Matz has gotten his MLB career back on track.

Two months ago, the Blue Jays were having alarming issues in the late innings with their relief corps.

President Mark Shapiro went all in on addressing the issue, acquiring Adam Cimber, Trevor Richards, Joakim Soria, and Brad Hand for the summer stretch. Oh, and they acquired Twins’ stud right-hander Jose Berrios, surrendering a pair of top five-caliber prospects in Simeon Woods Richardson and Austin Martin.