Toronto Blue Jays Reflect on Missed Opportunities with Ohtani and Lindor

The Toronto Blue Jays and their supporters are currently grappling with a sense of regret, particularly in light of the remarkable performances by Shohei Ohtani and Francisco Lindor in the ongoing Major League Baseball (MLB) playoffs. As the Blue Jays find themselves absent from the postseason for the first time in three years, they ponder the impact these star players might have had if they had been part of the Toronto roster.

One of the central figures in this narrative is Shohei Ohtani. According to reports, Ohtani’s display of exceptional skill for the Los Angeles Dodgers has been a stark reminder of what the Blue Jays missed when they failed to secure the two-way sensation during the previous offseason. Ohtani’s contributions to the Dodgers have been described as game-changing, leading to speculation about how different the Blue Jays’ season might have been with him onboard.

In addition to Ohtani, Francisco Lindor stands out as another missed opportunity. Zack Scott, former interim General Manager for the New York Mets, recently disclosed that the Blue Jays were close to acquiring Lindor over three years ago. The revelation surfaced amid the Mets’ playoff ascent fueled, in part, by Lindor’s considerable contributions. The Mets, understanding Lindor’s potential impact, had secured the four-time All-Star in a high-profile trade and subsequently signed him to a decade-long extension.

During his time with the Mets, Lindor has demonstrated remarkable consistency and skill. Over the past three seasons, from 2022 to 2024, he has accumulated impressive stats: 313 runs, 97 doubles, 90 home runs, and 296 RBIs, while maintaining a batting average near .266. Furthermore, Lindor’s defensive prowess was recognized with two Gold Glove awards, highlighting his value on both offense and defense. His return to the leadoff position in 2024 has seen him flourish, reminiscent of his successful tenure with the Cleveland Guardians.

As fans and analysts reflect on what could have been, the Blue Jays’ current situation underlines shortcomings in their roster decisions. The struggles of Bo Bichette this year have prompted further scrutiny, emphasizing the need for a reliable presence like Lindor in their infield. The Jays’ recent history of near misses serves as an indicator of the importance of strategic acquisitions.

Looking forward, the Blue Jays are urged to reconsider their approach in the offseason. Their strategy should focus on proactive and strategic moves to enhance competitiveness and fill roster gaps. As they reflect on these past oversights, the Jays must actively pursue transformative talents to avoid repeating a history marked by missed opportunities.