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Toronto Blue Jays: 5 most important individuals in 2019

By Paul Taylor

TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 20: Justin Smoak #14 of the Toronto Blue Jays is congratulated by teammates at home plate after hitting a game-winning solo home run in the ninth inning during MLB game action against the Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre on September 20, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 20: Justin Smoak #14 of the Toronto Blue Jays is congratulated by teammates at home plate after hitting a game-winning solo home run in the ninth inning during MLB game action against the Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre on September 20, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 21: Devon Travis #29 of the Toronto Blue Jays turns a double play in the ninth inning during MLB game action as Joey Wendle #18 of the Tampa Bay Rays slides into second base at Rogers Centre on September 21, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

5) Devon Travis

Surprised to see Devon Travis on our list? You shouldn’t be; the combination of his talent and desperate need to prove himself, make him vitally important to the Blue Jays in 2019.

There is no denying Travis’ talent, which can help him assist the team during their rebuild. However, he is now at a point where it’s make or break time for him.

The 27-year-old came storming out the gate when he made his Major League debut in 2015, marking the occasion with a home run. By the end of April, he had been named AL League Rookie of the Month.

Unfortunately for Travis, for all his ability he has been consistently dogged by injuries during his four years in the Majors. He has missed more than 50 percent of regular season games during that time, with a variety of ailments.

While the second baseman’s skill set is still clear to see, the ongoing durability issues have impacted his ability with the bat. Consider that his slash line has decreased ever year he’s played for the Blue Jays.

We know the team still values Travis, hence the decision to avoid arbitration and give him a one-year, $1.925 million contract. However, he needs to find a way to avoid injury, so he can fully embrace his potential.

Travis determined to be part of this rebuild and then stick around when the team contends again. This makes him a valuable asset for what will be a very challenging season in Southern Ontario.

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