WithMLB After reaching a consensus with their players' association on a new collective bargaining agreement, the 2022 season is set to kick off on April 7. This date aligns well with other significant events,Ontario sports betting as the comprehensive and regulated iGaming market is slated to commence just prior to this.
Additionally, there's a lot of excitement surrounding Canada’s sole MLB team — the Toronto Blue Jays. They are currently positioned with the fourth-best odds for clinching the 2022 World Series,Toronto Blue Jays falling behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros. The Blue Jays just missed the playoffs last year with a close finish, ending the season with a record of 91 wins and 71 losses.DraftKings Sportsbook Ontario The official launch of the Ontario iGaming market is set for April 4, coinciding with the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament championship game.
Following the recent resolution of the three-month MLB lockout, a surge of player transactions has occurred along with the beginning of spring training. Moves typically reserved for December have recently taken place.
Blue Jays General Manager Ross Atkins has been proactive, inking a three-year deal with left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, thereby enhancing Toronto's already formidable starting rotation. Furthermore, they made headlines by acquiring three-time Gold Glove-winning third baseman Matt Chapman from the Oakland Athletics.
*Odds sourced from DraftKings Sportsbook Ontario
MLB World Series Winner Odds
| ⭐ Los Angeles Dodgers | +500 |
| ⭐ New York Yankees | +900 |
| ⭐ Houston Astros | +950 |
| ⭐ Toronto Blue Jays | +1000 |
| ⭐ New York Mets | +1000 |
Chapman's addition not only boosts the offensive capabilities of an already star-studded lineup, which includes reigning MLB home run champion Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and fellow young powerhouse Bo Bichette, but it is primarily his defensive prowess that is anticipated to make a significant difference. He's regarded as one of the league's top defensive third basemen in recent seasons.
This acquisition helps to seal a defensive gap that hindered the team last season, especially crucial in the American League East, which features numerous powerful right-handed hitters. Chapman's skills will also mitigate the impact of Marcus Semien's exit, who left for the Texas Rangers after having an outstanding season.
Under Guerrero's leadership, the Jays ranked third in the league last year with a total of 846 runs. Although losing Semien is unfortunate, a full season from George Springer along with Chapman's addition should keep the offensive momentum strong.
Springer will start the season as the leadoff hitter, with Bichette, Guerrero, Teoscar Hernandez, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and Chapman batting behind him. While there is some concern regarding the absence of left-handed hitters, this offense remains projected to be among the elite in baseball.
The Blue Jays have so much depth in their offensive lineup and outfield that they recently traded Randal Grichuk to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for outfielder Raimel Tapia, who adds speed and is a left-handed bat. Toronto also received Adrian Pinto, a minor league infielder, in the deal, alongside a monetary contribution to the Rockies to help manage Grichuk's contract.
One notable departure from the Blue Jays roster this offseason was the reigning Cy Young Award recipient Robbie Ray, who signed with the Seattle Mariners. To fill this gap, the team secured Kevin Gausman even before the CBA stoppage, intending to complement Kikuchi's recent signing.
Strong Starting Pitching
Jose Berrios, acquired during last season, was re-signed to a seven-year agreement this winter and is expected to lead the pitching roster. Joining him will be Hyu Jin Ryu and Alek Manoah, forming the best starting rotation the Blue Jays have fielded in years, one that can compete against any other team.
While Kikuchi experienced a downturn in performance during the second half of last season, he was an All-Star in the first half and the team is optimistic he can replicate that early performance. Gausman is also coming off a stellar season. Together, they are expected to effectively fill the void left by Ray and Steven Matz.
The bullpen has raised concerns in previous seasons, but with Jordan Romano having gained experience as the closer last season, optimism is higher than it has been in quite some time.
There is no doubt that the expectations surrounding the Toronto Blue Jays are at their highest in years. With the continuous growth of their young talents and recent acquisitions, these expectations appear well-founded.
Expectations are Sky High
However, managing those expectations can be challenging for a relatively young team. Guerrero, who is among the frontrunners for this year's league MVP, is just 23 years old, and fellow cornerstone Bichette is 24. With their age, it’s realistic to anticipate some growing pains, but the respect the Blue Jays are receiving in the betting market bodes well not only for this season but for their future as well.Ontario sports betting apps Online Casino Gaming in Ontario Offers Exciting Options
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