Blue Jays - Brent Cardy looks to the future of Vladdy Jr, Bo Bichette & Max Scherzer

BaseballBiz On Deck

Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training & AL East Outlook

Toronto Blue Jays Front Office

Do You Miss Alex Anthopoulos? - "Every freaking day."

• Anthopoulos and Beeston were more transparent & connected with fans
• Atkins is more of a spokesperson, while Shapiro makes the decisions.
• Blue Jays' High Payroll & Poor Roster Management
  • Payroll is around $271M, making them the 5th highest-spending team.
  • Despite spending, the team lacks major offseason upgrades.
  • Concerns over failing to extend Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette.
• Luxury Tax & Future Uncertainty & Aging players
  • Future of MLB’s luxury tax and potential salary cap/floor in 2027.
  • Rogers invested $300M in stadium renovations,
  • Leadership shakeup could be imminent
  • Pitching staff (e.g., Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt) is among oldest in MLB.
  • George Springer and other key veterans are aging.
• Farm System
  • Ranked around 23rd-24th in MLB
  • The team could face a major decline in 2026-2027 i

Trade & Deadline Implications

• If Jays struggle by midseason, major trades (Guerrero, Bichette) could happen.
• "It feels like a one-year prove-it-or-lose-it situation."
• Jays seemingly pursued top players like Shohei Ohtani & Juan Soto but didn’t land them.
• Fanbase is already fed up with Shapiro & Atkins, especially after the 2023 playoff controversy (José Berríos decision).

Bright Spots in Spring Training - Alan Roden (OF, Triple-A prospect)

Discussion on Tampa Bay Rays Attendance and Team Developments

Expects Better Attendance in 2025 in Tampa - highlighted the limited stadium capacity of around 15,000-16,000.

Attendance fluctuates, it often spikes when teams like the Yankees come to town.

Rays should take over George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa rather than remain in St. Petersburg or move to Ybor City.

Blue Jays Roster Outlook newly acquired second baseman Andrés Giménez and veteran pitcher Max Scherzer, including Jeff Hoffman and Chad Green and the re-signing of Ryan Yarbrough.

• Brent Cardy expects a strong season from Bichette if he remains healthy.
• Bichette has a history of leading the league in hits and could do so again.
• Defensive ability at shortstop, though he may have some DH days.
• Bichette’s bat speed decline in 2024, potentially linked to concussion issues
• Bichette is still a tough out and a crucial piece of the Blue Jays’ success.

Farm System ranked 24th - Notable prospects include:

• Jonatan Clase (expected to start in Buffalo).
• Addison Barger & Davis Schneider (potential minor league assignments).
• Kendry Rojas (high swing-and-miss potential, could be a future impact arm).
• Josh Kasevich
• Chad Dallas, Ricky Tiedemann, & Alek Manoah (injury setbacks affecting pitching depth).
• Jays’ pitching has been depleted, requiring improvements in drafting and scouting.
• Catching Depth & Alejandro Kirk
  • Expected to play around 115-120 games.
  • Backup options include Heineman, Bethancourt, and Phil Clarke.
  • Kirk could be a 3 WAR player, with Guerrero Jr. potentially at 7-8 WAR, & Bichette at 4 WAR if healthy.
  • Overall Blue Jays Expectations - Cardy predicts 83-84 wins
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