Blue Jays Pitchers 2023: Analysis & Predictions

Oct 29, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 48 views

Let's dive deep into the Toronto Blue Jays pitching roster for the 2023 season! We’ll break down the key players, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and make some predictions about their performance. For fans, fantasy baseball players, and anyone curious about the Blue Jays, this is your one-stop guide to understanding their pitching staff.

Analyzing the Starting Rotation

The starting rotation is the backbone of any successful baseball team. In 2023, the Blue Jays are looking to their starters to consistently deliver quality innings and keep them in contention. Let's examine the expected rotation members:

Alek Manoah: Manoah burst onto the scene as a rookie and quickly established himself as an ace-caliber pitcher. His impressive size, powerful fastball, and confident demeanor make him a force to be reckoned with on the mound. In 2022, he demonstrated remarkable durability and consistency, pitching deep into games and providing a steady presence at the top of the rotation. The key for Manoah in 2023 will be refining his secondary pitches and maintaining his command to avoid walks. If he can continue to develop and improve, he has the potential to be a true Cy Young contender. The Blue Jays are counting on him to lead the staff and set the tone for the entire team.
Kevin Gausman: Gausman was a prized free-agent acquisition for the Blue Jays, and he immediately proved his worth with his electric stuff and veteran savvy. His signature pitch, a devastating splitter, is one of the most unhittable pitches in baseball. He uses it to generate swings and misses and keep hitters off balance. Beyond the splitter, Gausman features a solid fastball and a developing slider, making him a well-rounded pitcher with a diverse arsenal. His experience and poise on the mound are invaluable assets to the Blue Jays. His ability to adapt and make adjustments during games is a testament to his baseball IQ. The Blue Jays expect Gausman to be a reliable workhorse in the middle of the rotation, providing quality starts and mentoring the younger pitchers on the staff.
Chris Bassitt: Chris Bassitt joined the Blue Jays, bringing a wealth of experience and a reputation for consistency to the team. Bassitt is known for his ability to command the strike zone and his durability. He doesn't overpower hitters with blazing velocity, but he uses a variety of pitches and pinpoint control to keep them guessing. His ability to induce weak contact and avoid big innings makes him a valuable asset to the Blue Jays rotation. His calm demeanor and leadership qualities are also a plus, as he sets a positive example for the younger pitchers on the staff. The Blue Jays envision Bassitt as a reliable veteran presence in the middle of the rotation, someone who can consistently deliver quality starts and eat up innings.
Jose Berrios: Berrios, acquired via trade, possesses undeniable talent and raw potential. He has a blazing fastball and a sharp curveball that can be devastating when he's on. However, consistency has been an issue for Berrios, as he's prone to bouts of wildness and struggles with his command. The Blue Jays are working with Berrios to unlock his full potential by refining his mechanics and improving his mental approach to the game. When he's locked in, Berrios has the ability to dominate hitters and pitch like an ace. The key for Berrios is to find that consistency and harness his raw talent on a more regular basis. The Blue Jays are hoping that he can become a reliable member of the rotation and provide a boost to their pitching staff.
Yusei Kikuchi: Kikuchi, signed as a free agent, has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, but he's also struggled with consistency and command. He features a lively fastball and a deceptive slider, but he needs to improve his control and develop a more reliable third pitch to be effective. The Blue Jays are working with Kikuchi to refine his mechanics and simplify his approach on the mound. They believe that he has the potential to be a valuable asset to the team, either as a starter or a reliever. The key for Kikuchi is to trust his stuff and attack the strike zone with confidence. If he can make those adjustments, he could be a pleasant surprise for the Blue Jays in 2023. Guys like him can really surprise you.

Bullpen Breakdown

A strong bullpen is essential for closing out games and protecting leads. Let's take a look at the key relievers in the Blue Jays bullpen:

Jordan Romano: Romano has emerged as the Blue Jays' closer, and he's quickly established himself as one of the best in the game. He features a blazing fastball and a devastating slider, making him a tough matchup for hitters in high-pressure situations. Romano is known for his composure and confidence on the mound, and he thrives in the closer role. He has the ability to shut down opposing offenses and secure victories for the Blue Jays. His success will be vital for the team to win. The Blue Jays rely on Romano to anchor the bullpen and provide a sense of stability at the end of games.
Erik Swanson: Swanson was acquired to bolster the Blue Jays' bullpen, and he brings a track record of success and a diverse arsenal of pitches to the team. Swanson is known for his ability to generate swings and misses with his fastball and slider. He's a versatile reliever who can pitch in a variety of situations, from high-leverage spots to mop-up duty. The Blue Jays envision Swanson as a key cog in the bullpen, someone who can be counted on to get important outs and protect leads. His experience and poise on the mound are valuable assets to the team.
Anthony Bass: Bass is a veteran reliever who brings experience and reliability to the Blue Jays' bullpen. He doesn't have overpowering stuff, but he knows how to pitch and he's not afraid to attack the strike zone. Bass is a valuable asset to the team because he can pitch in a variety of situations and he's always ready to answer the call. The Blue Jays rely on Bass to provide stability and leadership in the bullpen.
Tim Mayza: Mayza is a left-handed reliever who specializes in getting out left-handed hitters. He has a deceptive delivery and a funky arm angle that makes it difficult for lefties to pick up the ball. Mayza is a valuable asset to the Blue Jays' bullpen because he can be used in key matchups against left-handed hitters. The Blue Jays count on Mayza to neutralize left-handed threats and help them win games.
Adam Cimber: Cimber is a sidearm reliever who brings a unique look and deception to the Blue Jays' bullpen. His unusual delivery makes it difficult for hitters to pick up the ball, and he's able to generate weak contact and induce ground balls. Cimber is a valuable asset to the Blue Jays because he can be used in a variety of situations and he gives them a different look out of the bullpen. Guys like Cimber are always interesting to watch and see how they develop.

Projecting Performance and Potential

Predicting baseball performance is always a tricky business, but we can make some educated guesses based on past performance, current skill sets, and potential for improvement. Here are some thoughts:

Alek Manoah: Expect Manoah to continue his development as an ace-caliber pitcher. If he can refine his secondary pitches and maintain his command, he has the potential to be a Cy Young contender.
Kevin Gausman: Look for Gausman to be a reliable workhorse in the middle of the rotation, providing quality starts and mentoring the younger pitchers on the staff. Gausman is a very interesting guy to watch.
Chris Bassitt: Bassitt should provide consistency and durability to the rotation, eating up innings and keeping the Blue Jays in games. His veteran presence will be invaluable.
Jose Berrios: The Blue Jays are hoping that Berrios can unlock his full potential and become a more consistent and reliable member of the rotation. If he can harness his raw talent, he could be a key contributor.
Yusei Kikuchi: Kikuchi is a bit of a wildcard, but the Blue Jays are hoping that he can make the necessary adjustments to become a valuable asset to the team, either as a starter or a reliever.
Jordan Romano: Romano is expected to continue his dominance as the Blue Jays' closer, shutting down opposing offenses and securing victories.
Erik Swanson: Swanson should be a key cog in the bullpen, providing valuable outs in high-leverage situations.
Anthony Bass: Bass will continue to provide experience and reliability to the bullpen, pitching in a variety of situations.
Tim Mayza: Mayza will be used in key matchups against left-handed hitters, neutralizing left-handed threats.
Adam Cimber: Cimber will bring a unique look and deception to the bullpen, inducing weak contact and ground balls.

Final Thoughts

The Toronto Blue Jays have assembled a talented and deep pitching staff for the 2023 season. With a mix of established veterans and promising young arms, they have the potential to be one of the best pitching staffs in baseball. The success of the Blue Jays in 2023 will depend heavily on the performance of their pitchers. If the starters can consistently deliver quality innings and the bullpen can shut down opposing offenses, the Blue Jays will be a force to be reckoned with. It’s gonna be an exciting season, guys!