Toronto Blue Jays: 3 storylines to follow during 2020 season

Can Guerrero Jr. and Bichette lead the way?

With the Blue Jays prioritizing development as a key part of their rebuilding strategy, the team is hoping this core can be a threat to contend for many years rather than be a short-lived situation.

This is why any success or failure will be tied to how the team’s younger players establish themselves. Obviously front and centre will have to be Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. who have flashed their potential after making their MLB debuts last season.

Much has been made about how dangerous the lineups in the AL East can be and that’s really the only way the Blue Jays will be able to contend (they aren’t modelling themselves after the Rays). The real question is which one takes the first step into establishing themselves as the best hitter on the team?

Bichette will arguably have a greater impact since he plays shortstop and is probably a more well-rounded hitter, unlike Vlad Jr. who is known for his raw power. It’s tough to gauge what both are capable of in a shorter season but we can probably set the over/under total for home runs at 15 since that would equal to 40 in a full season.

There is certainly a lot of pressure on both Guerrero Jr. and Bichette but they have shown that they can thrive on it and that will be crucial to the Blue Jays making the playoffs.