March 26 should be a date that Blue Jays fans have marked on their calendars. Opening day marks the beginning of the 2020 season and baseball fans are more than ready. They are hungry for home runs, eager for extra-base hits, and scorching strikeouts. But what exactly do Blue Jays fans have to get excited about this season? A combination of an active offseason of signing new players and the promise of existing players, the anticipation is thrilling. Scroll through and catch up on five reasons for Jays fans to amped for the upcoming season!
- The signing of Hyun-Jin Ryu
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On December 27, 2019, the Blue Jays officially announced they signed left-handed pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu. Formally with the Dodgers, Ryu signed a 4-year $88 million dollar contract with the Jays. Born in Icheon, South Korea and nicknamed “Monster,” Jays fans have been longing for a pitcher who has consistently proven to be reliable. With an earned run average (ERA) of 2.32 in 2019 and a career ERA of 2.98, this seems to be a positive signing. When Ryu was first introduced to the media in his Blue Jays uniform, plenty of laughs and smiles. He’ll be wearing number 99, just like hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, known as “The Great One.”
- Watching The Big 3 play together
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Will Cavan Biggio hit another cycle? Another record-breaking RBI season for Bo Bichette? Will Vladimir Guerrero Jr. smash some bombs into outer space in the Home Run Derby again? These three sons of former MLB players had a real groove while playing together in AAA, and now hope to keep it up in the majors. After entering the majors at all different points in the season, the three infield players haven’t had a full season together yet as a Blue Jay. Guerrero Jr, the top prospect in baseball, was called up April 26. Biggio arrived second on May 24 with Bichette joining them on July 29.
Even though last season didn’t finish as fans had hoped for, the promising young players sure stirred things up in the process. Plenty of milestones were met and fans can anticipate many more to come. Overall, the Jays’ infield seems to be in silky smooth hands.
- Matt Shoemaker returns after his injury
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Pitching again! With his season cut short with the Blue Jays, fans have yet to see what Shoemaker will bring to the mound. After tearing his ACL last April in a rundown against the A’s, Shoemaker was out for the rest of the season to recover. Before that, he boasted a 3-0 record and a 1.57 ERA. Recently, the Jays have tendered their contract with him while non-tendering other players in the process. Relieving pitcher Derek Law, right-handed pitcher Jason Adam, and even the beloved Mail Man himself, catcher Luke Maile.
Seeing the impact that Shoemaker will have for a full season will really intrigue fans.
- The new blue
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On the first day of Winterfest on January 18, the Jays unveiled their “new blue” uniforms. This was a treat for the lucky fans that witnessed the uniforms first. The powdered blue uniform sports more of a retro style similar to what was worn in the 1980s. Rather than white or grey pants, this getup is the new blue from head to toe. Instead of the regular navy blue or white, the Jays can wear these alternate uniforms at both away and home games. A new, fresh look for the team should certainly spice things up. Keep your eyes open and you might just see a new kind of blue streaking across the baselines.
- Listening to Buck Martinez and Pat Tabler’s commentary
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Who gets tired of hearing Martinez yell, “Get up ball, get up and gone!” whenever a Jay hits a home run? Being previous Blue Jays players themselves, this dynamic duo brings plenty of wisdom and experience while commentating games. Martinez served his time as a solid catcher at home plate, while Tabby was a utility player who could cover first base, the outfield, and be the designated hitter.
Providing effortless and easy commentary to listen to isn’t as simple as you’d think. Sharing context as to what’s going on in the game and why things are happening in a way that doesn’t dumb it down for the listener is an important job to have. Including the moments where the duo has had a chance to catch up with players and coaches just to share some small talk really gives fans some insight. There’s nothing quite like hearing these two hash it out up in the broadcasting booth.
General sense:
Building up our pitching force is an aspect that many Jays fans have been itching to improve. Even with all of the talent in the clubhouse, some grooves take time. Seeing the young force take the field again this season will ignite some fire under our stadium seats. That new blue will surely stand out and remind modern fans what our Jays used to look like. Plus, to top it all off, Buck and Pat will be there to welcome us all back.
So let’s grab your Jays gear and head out to the ballpark to cheer on our team. Go Jays, Go!