Blue Jays' Missed Opportunities: Scherzer & Santander

The Toronto Blue Jays, like any Major League Baseball team, have had their share of hits and misses when it comes to player acquisitions and contract negotiations. While some moves pay off handsomely, propelling the team towards contention, others can become cautionary tales, serving as reminders of the unpredictable nature of baseball. In this article, we'll delve into two instances where the Blue Jays might have missed out on significant opportunities: the cases of Max Scherzer and Anthony Santander. These are not necessarily about bad decisions at the time, but rather about how circumstances and player development can lead to what-if scenarios that haunt fans and front offices alike. These "contract busts," or rather, potential contract successes that never materialized in Toronto, offer valuable lessons in roster management and player evaluation.

The Max Scherzer Saga: A Missed Ace?

Max Scherzer, the name itself evokes images of fierce competitiveness and dominant pitching performances. Before he became a perennial Cy Young contender and a World Series champion, Scherzer was a promising young pitcher with the Arizona Diamondbacks. It's hard to imagine now, but there was a time when his future wasn't so clear-cut. The Blue Jays, like many teams, surely had scouts evaluating Scherzer during his early years. While it's impossible to know the exact details of their internal discussions, it's intriguing to consider what might have been if the Blue Jays had made a stronger push to acquire Scherzer early in his career. Imagine a rotation anchored by a young, hungry Scherzer, developing alongside other Blue Jays prospects. How might that have altered the team's trajectory in the late 2000s and early 2010s? It's easy to play armchair general manager in hindsight, but the fact remains that Scherzer's career took off after leaving Arizona, and he blossomed into one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation. A move to acquire him may have cost prospects or other assets, but would that cost be worth the production that the star pitcher would have provided for years to come? The opportunity to acquire a player of Scherzer's caliber doesn't come around often, and the Blue Jays, for whatever reason, didn't seize it. This isn't to say that the Blue Jays' front office made a glaring error. Player evaluation is an inexact science, and there's no guarantee that Scherzer would have developed into the same pitcher in Toronto. However, the what-if scenario of Scherzer donning a Blue Jays uniform remains a tantalizing thought for many fans. The impact of a pitcher like Scherzer extends beyond just his on-field performance. His work ethic, leadership qualities, and competitive fire can have a positive influence on the entire team, especially younger players. Having a veteran ace like Scherzer in the clubhouse could have accelerated the development of other Blue Jays pitchers and fostered a winning culture. It's important to note that every team misses out on potential stars. The draft is a crapshoot, trades are risky, and free agency is often a bidding war. But the Scherzer case serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough scouting, aggressive pursuit of talent, and a little bit of luck. In the ever-competitive world of Major League Baseball, even one missed opportunity can have significant consequences.

Anthony Santander: The Outfielder That Got Away?

Turning our attention to the offensive side of the ball, Anthony Santander presents another interesting case study. Santander, an outfielder with a potent bat, has developed into a valuable player for the Baltimore Orioles. However, his path to success wasn't always straightforward. He was initially signed by the Cleveland Indians as an international free agent before being selected by the Orioles in the Rule 5 draft. This is where the Blue Jays could have potentially entered the picture. In the Rule 5 draft, teams can select players from other organizations who are not on the 40-man roster. The selecting team must then keep the player on their active roster for the entire season, or else offer him back to his original team. It's a way for teams to find hidden gems and give overlooked players a chance to prove themselves at the major league level. The Blue Jays, like all teams, participate in the Rule 5 draft every year. It's plausible that they evaluated Santander at some point. Considering his offensive potential, it's worth wondering why they didn't take a chance on him. Santander has demonstrated the ability to hit for average and power, making him a valuable asset in any lineup. While he may not be a superstar, he's a consistent contributor who can drive in runs and provide a spark on offense. Perhaps the Blue Jays had concerns about his defensive abilities or his ability to adjust to major league pitching. Maybe they felt they had other outfield prospects who were further along in their development. Whatever the reason, they passed on the opportunity to acquire Santander, and he has since become a productive player for a division rival. The what-if scenario with Santander is slightly different from the Scherzer case. Scherzer was a high-profile player with a proven track record (albeit one that was still developing). Santander was a relatively unknown prospect with potential but also with question marks. Taking a chance on a Rule 5 player is always a gamble. There's no guarantee that they will pan out. However, the potential reward can be significant, as the Orioles have discovered with Santander. His success in Baltimore serves as a reminder that sometimes it's worth taking a risk on a player with upside, even if there are some doubts. In Santander's case, his offensive capabilities have blossomed in Baltimore, making him a key component of their lineup. The Blue Jays may have needed an offensive boost during the time that Santander was coming up, and could have used the power that the outfielder provides in the lineup.

Lessons Learned and the Unpredictability of Baseball

These examples of Max Scherzer and Anthony Santander highlight the challenges and uncertainties of roster construction in Major League Baseball. There are so many variables involved in player evaluation and development that it's impossible to predict the future with certainty. Even the most sophisticated scouting reports and statistical analysis can't guarantee success. Players develop at different rates, and sometimes a change of scenery is all it takes for a player to unlock their full potential. The Blue Jays, like every team, have made their share of successful moves and their share of misses. The key is to learn from both and to continue to adapt and evolve. The front office must be willing to take risks, but also to be disciplined and to avoid overpaying for players who may not be worth the investment. They must also be able to identify talent at all levels, from the amateur ranks to the international market to the Rule 5 draft. And perhaps most importantly, they must be able to create a positive environment where players can thrive and reach their full potential. While it's easy to second-guess past decisions, it's important to remember that baseball is an inherently unpredictable game. There are countless factors that can influence a player's career, from injuries to personal issues to simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The best teams are the ones that can navigate these uncertainties and make the most of the opportunities that come their way. And who knows, maybe the next Max Scherzer or Anthony Santander is out there waiting to be discovered by the Blue Jays.

Ultimately, the "contract busts" or missed opportunities involving players like Scherzer and Santander serve as valuable reminders of the complexities inherent in team building. They underscore the importance of diligent scouting, calculated risk-taking, and fostering an environment conducive to player development. While hindsight may be 20/20, these instances provide valuable lessons for the Blue Jays and other MLB teams as they navigate the ever-challenging landscape of professional baseball. The goal is not to dwell on past misses, but to learn from them and apply those lessons to future decisions, striving to create a winning formula that brings sustained success to the franchise and its fans. The Blue Jays will certainly continue to be active in the player market and on the trade block. It will be worth watching to see the next player that they take a chance on.