During the 2023 MLB season, the Toronto Blue Jays management made many decisions that fans deemed questionable. This included pulling José Berríos during the Wild Card series, moving George Springer from the leadoff spot for a while, and designating Jay Jackson for assignment when he was having a good season.
Blue Jays fans were confused as to why these decisions were made. Many stated that the choices made by management were “unnecessary” or “not needed”. Jay Jackson was having an impressive season before waivers cleared him. Jay Jackson deserved better. Here are three reasons why.
Three Reasons Why Jay Jackson Deserved Better
He Has Good Statistics
Jackson has spent his career weaving through the majors and minors. Having previously played for the San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers, San Fransisco Giants, and the Atlanta Braves, Jackson has had lots of experience in a ballpark. He even made his way over to Japan to play for Nippon Professional Baseball.
The 36-year-old right-handed pitcher had impressive statistics during the 2023 season. During his 21 appearances, he had an impressive 2.12 earned run average and a 202 adjusted earned run average. He only allowed nine walks, gave up seven runs, and had 27 strikeouts in the 29.2 innings he pitched. The Toronto Blue Jays went 14-11 in the games that Jackson pitched. This just goes to show that Jackson was a major factor in winning those games.
He is receiving widespread interest from other teams
Jackson started as a part of the 2008 MLB June Ameturer draft. He was drafted in the 9th round by the Chicago White Sox. In January of 2023, Jackson signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays with an invite to spring training for approximately $1.4 million.
Throughout the 2023 season, Jackson was moved 6 times back and forth from Buffalo Bisons Triple-A to the Toronto Blue Jays. In October he was designated for assignment by Toronto and on October 3rd, Jackson was sent outright to the Buffalo Bisons. Finally, on November 2nd, Jackson became one of the many free agents.
Jackson has nine MLB teams that are reportedly interested in him this offseason. They have plenty of reasons to be. Jackson has good statistics, a bright personality, and a great ability to throw a good pitch on the mound. Jackson threw a slider 60% of the time during the 2023 season. His opponents had a .118 average against it. Looking at these stats, surely other teams want Jackson as a part of their bullpen.
He Works Well When Under Pressure
During the last season, Jackson has proven that he can pitch well and work through difficult times. In July, Jackson got called up from AAA Buffalo during a doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox. He got the call that his fiancee was going into labour but Jackson still had to pitch that game. The Blue Jays won 5-4 allowing him to fly back to Utah to be with his family.
Jackson’s son J.R. was born prematurely by 15 weeks. After visiting J.R., he was placed on the paternity list the next day to be able to stay with his newborn son. J.R. had continued to remain in the neonatal intensive care unit when Jackson returned to Toronto.
For the rest of the season, he continued to make trips to Utah to check in on his son. Jackson and his fiancee Sam Batista have been giving continuous updates on Twitter as his state was improving. Finally, after 166 days in the neonatal intensive care unit, J.R. was returned home happy and healthy with his family.
While his future is uncertain, all we know is that Toronto Blue Jays fans are wishing him and his family the best for the 2024 MLB Season and beyond.
Main Image: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
