Toronto Blue Jays: 2022 season outlook with expectation at an all-time high

It is time to start a new season for the Toronto Blue Jays and for the first time in a long time, expectations are sky high and for good reason.

For the first time in three years, the Toronto Blue Jays will play their home opener in front of a capacity crowd at Rogers Centre.

Looking back at where the team was to where they are now, it’s a glorious transformation that comes with a new sense of optimism that hasn’t been around Toronto since 2015 and 2016. It has always been the goal of this front office to build something that is sustainable and we can see that come to fruition.

At the same time, we need to see progress from this group after just missing out on the playoffs last season. No longer can the Blue Jays use the excuse of playing their season in three different homes because of COVID-19.

Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins have made the moves that they were previously criticized for not making in the past. They have gone out and made big free agent signings, explored the trade market to fill holes and showcased the value that the development system can provide with the right amount of patience.

Sure this isn’t a perfect team but it’s certainly the best collection of talent that we have seen in years. They have the right mix of youth and experience with no shortage of star potential with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, George Springer, Jose Berrios, Kevin Gausman and many more leading the charge.

While this shouldn’t be seen as a short window of contention for this group, there is some urgency to see meaningful progress. You just hope that there isn’t a stumble out of the gate and the Blue Jays have to play catchup.

You would also be more inclined to hand Guerrero Jr. and Bichette the big money they are expected to receive if there was some playoff success to their resume.

If the Blue Jays want to receive the revenue of a big-time market team, they need to start investing like those teams have. That doesn’t mean throwing money blindly but the fanbase will support this team’s decision to build around stars rather than go bargain shopping like we’ve seen in the past.

What are your expectations for the Blue Jays this season? Should they be seen as the best team in the AL East and American League? Let us know in the comments below.