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Toronto Blue Jays: Three players to be excited about in 2021

By Ryan Patrick

BUFFALO, NY - SEPTEMBER 27: Lourdes Gurriel Jr. #13 of the Toronto Blue Jays points to the sky celebrating his two run home run in the third inning of play at Sahlen Field on September 27, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. Gurriel Jr's home run gave the Blue Jays a 4-1 lead after three innings. (Photo by Nicholas T. LoVerde/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - SEPTEMBER 27: Lourdes Gurriel Jr. #13 of the Toronto Blue Jays points to the sky celebrating his two run home run in the third inning of play at Sahlen Field on September 27, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. Gurriel Jr's home run gave the Blue Jays a 4-1 lead after three innings. (Photo by Nicholas T. LoVerde/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Blue Jays
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates his home run with teammate Lourdes Gurriel Jr. #13 during the second inning against the New York Yankees at Sahlen Field. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

2. Gurriel Jr. is an emerging star

Most fans knew about how good players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette were going to be, but Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has emerged as one of the best players on this roster.

After making the move to left field last season, Gurriel has adapted to the position quite quickly and filled a hole that the Blue Jays desperately needed him to fill. He finished 2020 with a .308 batting average, 11 HR, and 33 RBI. He also produced a WAR of 1.2.

He showed off his arm in the outfield in the series finale, throwing out Mike Brosseau of the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning trying to stretch a single into a double.

It’s not unrealistic to think that Gurriel has the ability to be a .300 hitter going forward with some pop and the potential to hit 30 HR. As far as pure hitters go, Gurriel Jr. is one of the best.

When talking about the young core, he deserves to be in every conversation going forward.

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