The Toronto Blue Jays have stumbled out of the gate in the 2025 MLB season, following a disappointing World Series appearance. After a strong start with a sweep against the Athletics, the team struggled with a record of 3-9, including losses to the Colorado Rockies and a sweep by the Chicago White Sox. The Blue Jays currently hold the second-worst run differential in the league at -25, ranking 24th in runs per game with an average of 3.80.
Key Statistics and Struggles
One of the team’s biggest issues has been their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Blue Jays rank fourth in the league for runners left on base, totaling 119, and they average 4.20 runners left in scoring position per game, placing them 28th overall. This trend reflects a struggle to perform in high-leverage situations.
Emerging MVP Contenders
Despite the team’s slow start, a few players have stepped up and could contend for the American League MVP title. Among them are:
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – The face of the franchise is off to a solid start, hitting .321 with a .446 on-base percentage, and contributing 6 runs and 5 RBIs.
- Daulton Varsho – Varsho has had a shaky beginning but recently turned it around, hitting two home runs and driving in five runs in his last few games.
- Kevin Gausman – The ace of the pitching staff has impressed with a 2.08 ERA across 17.1 innings, boasting an exceptional 26:2 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in MVP Discussions
Guerrero has consistently delivered valuable offensive contributions, even if his power numbers are currently low. He ranks third in weighted runs created plus (wRC+) at 152. His ability to elevate his performance is crucial as the season progresses.
Daulton Varsho’s Health and Performance
Health has been an ongoing concern for Varsho, who has faced injuries in previous seasons. If he can maintain his fitness and replicate his power numbers from last season, he could be a strong candidate for MVP votes.
Kevin Gausman: The Pitching Star
Gausman is a long shot for the MVP award, as history shows it’s rare for pitchers to earn this honor unless they are exceptional. His current performance is reminiscent of past MVP-winning seasons, but he needs improved offensive support to secure a top win total.
Potential Threat: Ben Rice
A recent article listed Ben Rice as a surprising contender for the AL MVP race. The 27-year-old is having a strong season, boasting a slash line of .356/.500/.756 with four home runs and 12 RBIs as of early April. However, Rice’s playing time is limited, which may reduce his overall vote count.
Conclusion
With the potential to compete for MVP votes, the Blue Jays’ talented players need consistent performance to capitalize on the opportunities created by their current challenges. The coming weeks will be crucial for them to establish themselves in the MVP conversation and influence the upcoming votes.
