The Toronto Blue Jays are showcasing elite team defense, led by standout plays from Daulton Varsho, despite a recent costly defensive mistake. Their defense has been a crucial factor in run suppression, with only 10 teams committing fewer errors than the Blue Jays. Statistically, they have significantly improved in converting potential hits into outs this season compared to last year.

By the Numbers
  • Toronto's fWAR ranks 26th in the majors, but they allow a middle-of-the-pack 4.32 runs per game, placing them 14th in MLB.
  • Last season, the Blue Jays ranked seventh in Statcast Fielding Run Value (+19).
Yes, But

Some key players like Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have shown defensive inconsistency, impacting the team's overall defensive performance.

State of Play
  • Blue Jays lead the majors in Statcast Fielding Run Value with a +12.
  • They are on pace to exceed the highest FRV recorded since 2015, although such exceptional performance may regress towards the mean.
What's Next

Despite other challenges, the Blue Jays' elite defense sets them apart and could continue to be a defining factor in their season.

Bottom Line

Daulton Varsho's standout plays and the overall defensive excellence of the Blue Jays position them as a top team in terms of defense, providing a crucial edge in their performance.