The Greatest Toronto Blue Jays players by position in their history

I am continuing my list of the greatest players for each team in the last 50 years by position (1B, 2B, 3B, SS, LF, CF, RF, C, right-handed, and left-handed starting pitchers, relief pitchers and DH). Criteria is players must have played at least (5) years on team since the 1973 season. Note players who started prior to 1973 can be included, however only what they accomplished since the 73 season will be considered. There were many factors in the selection process. Were they Hall of Famers? Were they consistent, league leaders? Did they win any awards (MVPs, Cy Youngs gold gloves)? And how much post season success did they have? I will be doing 1 team a week. Starting with teams in the American League East. This week’s team is the Toronto Blue Jays. Here is my list of greatest Blue Jays players in their history (since they began play in 1976) by position. Note the time and accomplishments are listed only with Blue Jays.

First Base- Carlos Delgado (1993-2004)- Holds Blue Jays all-time records for doubles, HRs, and RBI.

Second Base- Roberto Alomar (1991-1995)- HOF, ALCS MVP, 5X Gold Glove award winner (with Blue Jays).

Third Base- Kelly Gruber (1984-1992)- Gold Glove award winner.

Shortstop- Tony Fernandez (1983-1990, 1993)- 4X Gold Glove award winner.

Left Field- George Bell (1981-1990)- MVP.

Centerfield- Devon White (1991-1995) – 5X Gold Glove Award winner (with Blue Jays).

Right Field- Jose Bautista (2009-2017)- 2X HR leader.  

Catcher- Pat Borders (1988-1994) – WS MVP.

Designated Hitter- Edwin Encarnacion (2010-2016)- Team record for most HR and RBI in a month.

Right-handed starting pitcher- Roy Halladay (1998-2009)- HOF, Cy Young award winner. Finished 4X in top 5 Cy Young voting.

Left-handed starting pitcher- Jimmy Key (1984-1992)- ERA champion, 2 World Series wins.

Relief pitcher- Tom Henke (1985-1992)- Blue Jays all-time saves leader.

Notes. The Blue Jays had a lot of terrific players. Most from this list were part of the 1992, and 93 championship teams. Wanted to select Josh Donaldson at third base. He won an MVP for the Blue Jays. However, he only played 4 seasons for Toronto, so did not meet the criteria. Toughest choice was selecting the right-handed starting pitcher. Dave Stieb has the most wins in Blue Jays history. Was a terrific pitcher for a long time. However, I had to pick Halladay. Although his career was shorter, he had more great seasons than Stieb, including a Cy Young award.

Next up we will move to the American League Central Division with the Chicago White Sox.