While the temperatures continue to drop and we move forward into the Holiday season, preparation for the 2020 MLB season has already begun. And for a team like the Toronto Blue Jays, who finished 4th in the AL East with a record of 67-95, they need all the time and help they can get.
The Blue Jays had no issue staying under their projected win/loss record last season. The over/under for 2019 was 74.5 wins and the Blue Jays easily fell short.
Last season is one the team (and fans) want to put behind them quickly. There were some uplifting moments, like Bo Bichette and Vlad Guerrero Jr making their debuts, but overall it was a crummy season that left fans thinking of Blue Jays' teams from the past.
During the winter meetings, where General Managers are face-to-face with one another could easily change the outlook of a season. With many holes to fill and questions to answer, GM Ross Atkins should be hard at work developing the Blue Jays for the 2020 season. The winter meetings see many signings and trades, so you can expect the Blue Jays to be in the thick of things in early December.
With that being said, unless the Blue Jays make some serious changes in the off-season, bettors may be suited to put money against Toronto during the 2020 season.
However, Toronto wasn't the worst team when it came to betting on the Over/Under or the Run Line, which is popular for Proline.
Last season, the Blue Jays had an over record of 75-80-7, meaning 48.4% of their games, Toronto would reach the over on the Run Line. If they add another big bat to their lineup or some speedy outfielders who can also snag bases, their percentage could go up next season.
If the Blue Jays were playing at home, you may have wanted to look at the under. With an under percentage of 53.2% at home, Toronto struggled to reach the over at home. Toronto scored 4.43 runs per game at home, compared to 4.53 runs on the road.
The Run Line wasn't welcoming for the Blue Jays last season, either. Toronto only covered in 48.1% of games and finished with a Run Line record of 78-84. It will be interesting to see if Toronto's percentages can go up, especially for their Run Line record. If they make changes, Toronto could also score more runs at home.
If you're looking at proline, it may be worth it to look into the Blue Jays staying under their projected runs scored during a game, especially at home. Toronto scored more runs away from their hometown crowd.
As mentioned earlier, Bo Bichette and Vlad Guerrero helped give life to the Blue Jays this season. Sprinkle in the fact that Cavan Biggio was also a regular player that helped the big club and the team has a foundation for the future.
Patience will be key for Toronto. Biggio, Guerrero Jr., and Bichette are all under 25. Add in that Danny Jansen is 24 and drove in 43 RBI, Rowdy Tellez had 31 dingers and there are several young studs in their farm, it may not be all bad for Toronto moving forward.
It's almost fitting that the rebuild of Toronto is a slow burn. Baseball has few key moments that can change the outlook of the game and the Blue Jays are a few key moves from being a contender in baseball. Toronto has more than a couple of reasons to be excited.
