Toronto Blue Jays: 4 pitchers impressing so far in spring training

Simeon Woods Richardson and Alek Manoah

While there is obviously a big focus on the Blue Jays’ current core right now, it’s always important to know what is coming in the pipeline. If you are a Blue Jays fan, there should be a lot of excitement for both Alek Manoah and Simeon Woods Richardson.

To see Woods Richardson look unphased pitching against the New York Yankees top sluggers in his first start is exactly what you want to see. This is where you want your young players to leave nothing on the field and try to play it safe.

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In five innings pitched, Woods Richardson has allowed two hits, striking out four batters while pitching hitters to a .125 batting average. Not too bad for a 20-year-old that has seen his development impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Manoah was equally as impressive allowing only a hit through two innings in his first spring appearance. The 23-year-old didn’t hold back when given the chance to start against the Yankees throwing seven straight strikeouts.

Like Woods Richardson, Manoah is working his way back after not making a start in nearly a calendar year. The 2019 first round pick will look to build on his stellar spring when the minor league season starts.

"“His two outings have been just outstanding, He seems in control, he’s not nervous. He’s ready to attack the hitters,” Montoyo said about Manoah. “It’s one of those where his line shows what he did. It wasn’t just luck. He just dominated today. And he did the other day, too, the last time he pitched against the Yankees. That was fun to watch.”"

The way the Blue Jays approach Manoah and Woods Richardson going forward will be crucial. This team doesn’t want to be contenders for one or two seasons which is why they need their young arms to play a role in extending the competitive window as long as they can.

Which pitchers have impressed you so far in Spring Training? What are your thoughts on where this team is going? Let us know in the comments below.