Dipping in the Middle: Ross Atkins and Toronto Blue Jays' 2025 Season So Far
Toronto Blue Jays General Manager Atkins believes team's current standing is satisfactory
The Toronto Blue Jays are navigating a topsy-turvy start to the 2025 season, currently holding a record of 15-16 - a position that's leaving General Manager Ross Atkins seeking improvements. Despite the middling position, the bustling city of Toronto, notably recognized for its hockey vibrancy, has seen the Blue Jays wobble in the baseball arena.
Atkins, presiding over the Blue Jays for a decade now, addressed the press before the series opener with Cleveland Guardians, stealing the spotlight by exclaiming, "Say Leafs!" The Toronto Maple Leafs, previously cruising through the playoffs, had managed to secure a 4-2 win against the Ottawa Senators on their home turf, shrouding the Blue Jays' on-field performance.
The absence of Gold Glove outfielder, Daulton Varsho, who returned on Tuesday, may have added to the team's struggles. Varsho, demonstrating his prowess after his comeback, crushed home runs on both Wednesday and Thursday.
However, the team's underlying issues extend further. As of now, they rank 22nd in ERA (4.24) and 29th in home runs (21). Only the Kansas City Royals have hit fewer homers with 15.
Max Scherzer, one of the recent additions to the team, is yet to pitch due to a thumb injury. Though progress has been noted in the past ten days, Atkins assures fans that it won't be a prolonged recovery, but a matter of weeks instead.
New reliever Jeff Hoffman and outfielder Anthony Santander have struggled to perform up to expectations, while second baseman Andreas Gimenez's slow start hasn't helped the team's cause either.
Amid these challenges, Atkins is on the hunt for reinforcing his pitching staff through free agency and potential transfers from the Blue Jays' minor league system. Talents like 23-year-old Jake Bloss and 24-year-old Adam Macko, currently showcasing their skills in the minors, have garnered Atkins' interest.
The Canadian Press report, published on May 2, 2025, indicates that the focus lies firmly on correcting the weak spots in the roster. With a hopeful outlook towards extending key players like Bo Bichette, the Blue Jays aim to bolster their performance throughout the 2025 season.
Ross Atkins, in a surprising turn, shouted "Say Leafs!" to the media before a game, momentarily diverting attention from the struggling Blue Jays to the success of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The average number of home runs the Blue Jays have hit this season, placing them 29th in the MLB, has somewhat been a disappointment. Despite Daulton Varsho's return on the 29th, contributing to two home runs, the team still struggles with an ERA of 4.24, placing them 22nd. Atkins is actively seeking to strengthen his pitching staff, eyeing young talents such as Jake Bloss and Adam Macko from the Blue Jays' minor league system, to improve the team's performance and return to a winning season.
