Fansided

Each MLB team’s season success or failure?

By Nathaniel Reeves

Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder Jarrod Dyson shows off the Commissioners Trophy to fans after defeating the New York Mets in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. The Royals win the World Series four games to one. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder Jarrod Dyson shows off the Commissioners Trophy to fans after defeating the New York Mets in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. The Royals win the World Series four games to one. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) hits a ball that went for a ground rule double against Detroit Tigers in the seventh inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) hits a ball that went for a ground rule double against Detroit Tigers in the seventh inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

93-69, AL East champions, lost in ALCS

The Blue Jays entered each of the previous three seasons with high expectations due to a loaded offense, but failed to meet them on consistent basis. General manager Alex Anthopoulos decided to do something about that at the trade deadline.

Anthopoulos made a number of win-now moves at the trading deadline, acquiring Troy Tulowitzki, David Price and Ben Revere among others. The moves largely worked, as Toronto chased down the Yankees for the AL East crown and made the playoffs for the first time since 1993.

Toronto’s offense was lethal in 2015, putting up huge numbers despite not getting the best out of Tulowitzki in the second half. Donaldson posted a 154 wRC+ per FanGraphs, while Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion mashed at their usual levels.

The big difference in the second half was pitching, as the Blue Jays’ staff actually posted some of the best numbers in the Majors over the final two months. Price was excellent with Toronto, while Marcus Stroman’s return from a torn ACL in September provided a big boost.

Toronto snapped its long playoff drought and advanced past Texas to the ALCS. Many will argue Toronto should have gone further in an all-in season, but finally winning a playoff series was huge for the franchise.

Success. The ending was tough, but snapping the league’s longest playoff streak gives Toronto a reason to celebrate this season.

Next: Has Jamaal Charles Lost a Step?

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