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2020 MLB Toronto Blue Jays World Series Odds & Picks

VegasInsider Staff
VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert
4 minute read

Toronto’s Young Bats Make 2020 a
Potential Breakout Season

Toronto fans are hoping the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Four of the Blue Jays’ top young prospects are sons of professional baseball players, and Toronto would be thrilled if all four players turned out to be a chip off the block.

Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. has drawn the most headlines, but Cavan Biggio, Bo Bichette, and Lourdes Gurriel, Jr. give fans reason to be excited for the future. If they can continue to develop, the Blue Jays might be a contender in 2021.

2020 Toronto Blue Jays World Series
Betting Online Odds at FanDuel: +10000

Odds provided by FanDuel (IN, NJ, PA & WV only)
Subject to Change - T&C's Apply, 21+

2020 Toronto Blue Jays Season
World Series Odds Overview

The oddsmakers believe that the Blue Jays are a year away. For all the hype, Toronto only won 67 games in 2019, so they have a long way to go to become competitive in one of the toughest divisions in baseball. They are in the bottom third of teams that can the World Series per the World Series betting odds at FanDuel.

American League East

The Blue Jays are seen as the fourth-best team in the AL East by virtually everyone. The Yankees, Rays, and Red Sox are all a cut above, while the Orioles figure to be one of the worst teams in baseball once again. Toronto is 38/1 to win the division.

On the Hill

Hyun-Jin Ryu was signed from the Dodgers this offseason after a stellar last two seasons pitching in Chavez Ravine. He is 21-8 with a 2.21 ERA over the last two seasons, and he has a 1.008 WHIP in that stretch. While the addition of Ryu looks great on paper, everything is pointing towards a downturn from Toronto’s new ace in 2020. His 1.2 BB/9 rate is unsustainable, and he has only struck out more than a batter an inning once in his six-year career in the majors.

If Ryu declines considerably in 2020, the rotation could be a mess. Chase Anderson and Tanner Roark were signed to bolster the staff, but neither veteran inspires too much confidence. Anderson posted a 4.21 ERA with a 1.266 WHIP in 2019, and he has yet to throw more than 160 innings in a season. Meanwhile, Roark has posted a 4.20 ERA or higher in each of the last three seasons, and he finished last year with a career-high 1.397 WHIP.

That instability in the rotation could lead to top pitching prospect Nate Pearson being added to the Opening Day roster. Pearson was fantastic during the brief time that Spring Training was going on, and he quickly moved from high A to AAA ball in 2019. His fastball has steadily improved during his time in the minors, and he has three other out pitches. He is the eighth best prospect in the minors per MLB Pipeline.

At the Plate

Bo Bichette leads a young Blue Jays' lineup in his second year of action.
Bo Bichette leads a young Blue Jays' lineup in his second year of action. (AP)
Guerrero mashed the cover off the ball during his last two seasons in the minor leagues, leaving the Blue Jays with no choice but to bring him up in early 2019. He had his fair share of ups and downs as a rookie, showcasing excellent power, but he could only manage to finish the season with a .772 OPS. His batting average increased in each of the last four months of 2019, so many analysts are calling for Guerrero to become a household name in 2020.

Bichette was excellent in limited action. He went to the plate 196 times as a rookie, and he finished the year with a .311 batting average and 11 home runs. His .930 OPS would have led the team if he had enough qualifying at-bats, and he is a five-tool player that could end up being the best prospect of the bunch.

We’ve seen a lot of potential from Gurriel since he made his debut in 2018. The 26-year-old has shown solid power in 600 plate appearances, but he needs to be more disciplined at the plate. He has struck out in over 25 percent of his at-bats, while walking in less than six percent of his plate appearances.

2020 Toronto Blue Jays World Series Projection

Toronto is probably a year away, but the Blue Jays are worth a flyer at this price. If the young hitters all take the next step and Pearson is electric from the outset, Toronto could make a lot of noise in 2020.

2020 Toronto Blue Jays World Series Free Pick:
Definitely worth a few dollars - Alternative Options

Odds provided by FanDuel (IN, NJ, PA & WV only)
Subject to Change - T&C's Apply, 21+

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