John Gibbons: 3 Things for the Toronto Blue Jays to Make the Playoffs

After the inaugural episode of Pitch Clock, “Gibby” returns with 3 Up, 3 Down, in which he shares, in quickfire fashion, three things that need to happen in order for Toronto to be playing some October baseball.

As always, don’t forget to check out our National League odds, American League odds, and MLB Futures and props for all your baseball action.

Of course, watch the video of Gibbons himself on how the Blue Jays can be successful this year.

A Good Rotation and Better Defence

Right off the bat(!), Gibbons is very confident that the team is equipped to partake in postseason play, unless “catastraphy” strikes. Even so:

“I think it all starts with the rotation. They need a good solid year out of Berrios. Kikuchi needs to bounce back. It looks like he did that in spring training.”

To the former manager’s point, both Jose Berrios and Yusei Kikuchi were weaker links in 2022. For Berrios, a 12-7 win-loss record looked nice, but not so much a 5.23 ERA. Kikuchi, unfortunately, didn’t have the benefit of a winning record to couple with his 5.19 ERA, having gone a paltry 6-7.

But preventing opponents from scoring runs isn’t limited to just good pitching. It only begins with that. Fielding plays just crucial a role. Here as well, Gibbons has kind words for Toronto’s offseason.

“Their defence got better. I think that was key. I think they can put Kiermaier in centre field, Springer over there in right. Daulton Varsho is gonna pick up the slack in left field. He can play anywhere.”

Toronto had a decent 2022 defensively. Their fielding percentage was .986, fifth-best in the American League and 11^th in the MLB. Nothing horrifying, but nothing to write home about either, so hearing that the club has made improvements should provide fans confidence.

Staying Healthy and Big Boy Production

Naturally, as with most professional sports teams, two factors always top the list: health and the stars playing just like that.

“They gotta stay healthy. That’s a given. And you gotta get big years out of your big boys.”

He references of course Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, both of whom had a very strong 2022 at bat. “Gibby” also emphasizes George Springer’s importance to the team. The former manager considers him a natural leader and a key component of the team’s nucleus, assuming he avoids injuries.

Even with those caveats, Gibbson has plenty of confidence in the 2023 Toronto Blue Jays.

“There’s no way they won’t be in the playoffs. They put a great team together and they’ll be fun to watch.”