Former MLB star Trevor Plouffe is bullish on the Toronto Blue Jays, thinks team is ready "to take the next step"
Despite the team demonstrating some of the most dynamic hitters in baseball, the Toronto Blue Jays have not achieved the results that they're capable of. However, that is all about to change, according to a former player and MLB analyst.
On the "Talkin' Baseball" podcast, former third baseman Trevor Plouffe was asked which MLB infield he considers his favorite heading into this season.
Plouffe, who spent the majority of his career with the Minnesota Twins, identified the Toronto Blue Jays as having the most exciting infield.
Trevor Plouffe is all in on the Blue Jays infield https://t.co/nsXYuYWcXj
"Trevor Plouffe is all in on the Blue Jays infield," Talkin' Baseball tweeted.
The first Toronto Blue Jays player that Plouffe referenced was Bo Bichette. The 25-year old shortstop finished in the top 12 in MVP voting in each of the last two years. Moreover, Bichette led the MLB in hits in both 2021 and 2022. Plouffe called Bichette a "young stud."
Another Toronto Blue Jays player that Plouffe referenced was Vladimir Guerrero Jr., or as Plouffe said, "Vlad doing Vlad things." Guerrero led the MLB in home runs with 48 in 2021, before cooling off and only hitting 32 last season.
23 years old and the first catcher in franchise history to start an All-Star Game 📈
Alejandro Kirk continues #YoungStarsWeek ⭐️
@BlueJays | @NewEraCap https://t.co/HgaeCwCyz9
"23 years old and the first catcher in franchise history to start an All-Star Game. Alejandro Kirk continues #YoungStarsWeek," MLB Network tweeted.
Trevor Plouffe also praised the catching duo of Danny Jansen and Alejandro Kirk, who he believes both offer strength. Kirk was a relatively unknown Mexican catcher before hitting .286/.372/.415 with 14 home runs and 63 RBIs in 2022. The 23-year old was named an All-Star and a Silver Slugger last season.
""The (Blue Jays) talked a big game. ... It is time to take the next step" Plouffe said.
Although highly skilled, the Toronto Blue Jays have had trouble achieving playoff success. Last year, the team dropped a must-win game in the AL Wild Card series after squandering an 8-1 lead against the Seattle Mariners.
The Toronto Blue Jays face an uphill climb in their division
Although the Jays have all the skills needed to go far, it is worth remembering that they share a division with Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees. Whether or not the big guns like Guerrero, Bichette and Kirk can bring the heat and propel their team deep into the playoffs remains to be seen.