Toronto Blue Jays: Why Devon Travis Should Lead Off

Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Devon Travis approaches each at bat confidently and strategically. He understands the benefit of working the count, but at the same time is able to stay aggressive by hitting the ball hard and putting his bat on the ball when he does swing. He doesn’t go in there with the same approach every at bat.

Toronto Blue Jays Devon Travis is talented, there is no doubt about it. Since he made his debut in 2015 as a young 24-year-old rookie, you could already see he was meant to be in the show. He immediately was an impact player and has continued to be ever since. It’s not coincidental that the Blue Jays are playing better since his return.

Like any young player, there is a lot of room for growth mentally, physically and emotionally, but Travis already appears to be well above the curve right.

Each and every at bat he approaches confidently and strategically. He understands the benefit of working the count, but at the same time is able to stay aggressive by hitting the ball hard and putting his bat on the ball when he does swing. He doesn’t go in there with the same approach every at bat.

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He can hit the long ball, he can shoot the pitch oppo, and he can bunt his way on. Need a double? He can do that too.

He’s played 40 games this season and has six home runs, eight doubles, three steals and 33 strikeouts. He’s hitting .263 on the season.

Since the second baseman’s debut, he’s hitting .287 with 14 home runs, 26 doubles, six steals and 76 strikeouts in 102 games.

In a full 162 game season, he is on pace for 22 home runs, 41 doubles, 10 steals and 121 strikeouts.

I bring attention to these statistics in particular because it can be argued that Travis should be the regular lead off hitter for the Blue Jays. Although he strikes out 20 percent of the time, this is not a terrible strikeout percentage and is considered an average strikeout rate. Given his youth, this is likely to improve with good coaching. He could also improve in his stealing ability, but he certainly has the speed to up that number drastically.

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His ability to take pitches and adjust based on the count is ideal at lead off. He also fits the description of the modern day hybrid lead off that hits not only at a high batting average, but with some pop in his bat. His glove is pretty dependable too. He’s no Gold Glover but he’s certainly reliable and a future Gold Glove would not be out of the question.

He is charismatic and full of youthful exuberance. He’s been lead off for the Blue Jays on occasion, but the long-term plan should be to have Travis leading off. Ezequiel Carrera has done an excellent job at lead off, but Jose Bautista should be returning soon to right field.

Once Bautista returns, it would make the most sense to get Mr. Bat-Flip himself back in the three slot, and have the young second basemen lead off as the Jays make a run for the playoffs.

Next: Toronto Blue Jays: Will Edwin Encarnacion End Up in Boston?

What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with Travis being the lead off going forward?