The Toronto Blue Jays have high expectations after finishing second in the American League East MLB standings with 92 wins last season. They built great depth in the offseason in case the MLB injury report becomes a major factor, as it does for all MLB teams at some point during the regular season, and some sooner than others.
The Toronto Blue Jays standings are already mucked up ten games into the season. Though they are 6-4, four teams are within one game of another in their division. Then there are three teams who are tied for the third-best record in the AL with the Blue Jays.
The best time to capitalize on Toronto Blue Jays odds will be in early August. They have a pretty balanced MLB schedule through July but in turns in the middle of August.
Blue Jays face tough opponents
So, they may have given up some ground before a run that begins Aug. 7 with a series against the Cleveland Guardians, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies (two games), Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, Guardians, and Washington Nationals. Then the Blue Jays start September with the Colorado Rockies, Oakland A’s, and Kansas City Royals before a tough finish.
They will have their best pickings of MLB games during the dog days of summer. This could be beneficial in case there are injuries. But bettors should look at the Toronto Blue Jays odds prior to that stretch to best capitalize in season.
Here is a breakdown of how the team fared in 2022, new Toronto Blue Jays players, and the season odds as they stand as of this writing.
Last Season
The Blue Jays found great success because of their dynamic offense. They were fourth in baseball with 4.78 runs per game and third with an OPS of .760.
Having a thunderous bat in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was key for the Blue Jays. MLB player stats showed Guerrero hit 35 doubles, and 32 home runs, drove in 97 runs, and scored 90 of his own. Young star Bo Bichette led the league with 189 hits, which included 43 doubles and 24 home runs, while driving in 93 runs and scoring 91 of his own.
The pitching staff was 13th in allowing 4.19 runs per game. The starting pitchers are relatively unchanged, with Alek Manoah, the young ace, followed by Kevin Gausman, Yusei Kikuchi, Jose Berrios, and the addition of Chris Bassitt from Oakland.
It is the relievers who gained some new arms. The closer Jordan Romano remains, but Toronto added electric setup man Erik Swanson to go along with some late-season trades in 2022 that included Zach Pop and Anthony Bass. Chad Green is another hopeful addition when he gets healthy.
More Additions
Toronto was incredibly active in adding players during the offseason. They acquired the versatile Daulton Varsho, who plays catcher and outfield as a left-handed hitter. Defensive wizard in the outfield Kevin Kiermaier was signed away from the Tampa Bay Rays. Jordan Luplow is a right-handed hitter who specializes in hitting lefties and is new to the team.
Then the infield includes Brandon Belt, who moved from the San Francisco Giants and can play first base or outfield if needed. The Blue Jays also landed the versatile Whit Merrifield after trading for him with the Kansas City Royals.
Merrifield is primarily a second baseman but can also play third base and outfield, and he brings good gap power and speed to the lineup.
Season Odds
That versatility at all levels is a huge bonus for the Blue Jays. It is partly why they are popular among those making MLB picks. They truly have the depth to withstand any injuries they may face.
The Toronto Blue Jays odds show they are +275 to win the AL East, which is third after the Tampa Bay Rays became the first team since 1987 to start 10-0. With the late part of the schedule in mind, that is good value when comparing the Rays’ hot start.
Those teams are tied with the third-best odds at +550 to win the AL East and are tied for sixth at +1200 to win the World Series.
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