The Vladdy Effect: A New Era of Hope in Toronto

Pending the results of a physical, Blue Jays fans are as elated with their team’s performance, both on the field and in the GM’s office as they were during the glory days of the 2015 & 2016 playoff runs. And let's be honest, it’s been that long since something this big has happened. Vladdy signing his big ticket deal? That’s the kind of headline we haven’t seen in almost a decade.

ME WATCHING RED SOX SERIES

Now, I’m not discounting the signings or the talent that’s come through Toronto since 2015 because we’ve had a buffet of high-quality ballplayers suit up for the Jays, many of whom are still here and contributing. But this feels different. This isn’t just resigning an All-Star. This could be locking down a generational talent, assuming Vladdy shows up for the next 14 years like he's gunning for Cooperstown or at least a statue outside Rogers Centre.

It also signals something fans haven’t felt from the front office in a while: competence. Yes, the same front office that let the Ohtani train speed by like a GO Train and waved as the Soto Sweepstakes went to voicemail. But here we are. They finally made a move that feels like more than lip service.

And it’s not just about the fans (though we’re practically vibrating with hope right now). It’s a message to the rest of the roster—especially the homegrown guys. It says: “Hey, if you stick around and play well, you might get a Brinks truck backed up to your driveway, too.” And maybe, just maybe, it tells free agents that Toronto isn’t just a nice place to visit in the summer. It's also the place to sign your next big deal. Yes, we have bagged milk, but we also have big dreams.

NUFF SAID.

For the first time since 2015, it really feels like the fans, the front office, and the players are rowing the same boat and they’re all actually rowing in the same direction. Imagine that.

And if the Jays find themselves sniffing the postseason, I wouldn’t be shocked to see the front office make some savvy, win-now additions. After all, this Vladdy deal is basically a giant neon sign that says, “We're going for it.”

This vote of confidence from the front office has Jays fans like me feeling almost as delusional as Leafs fans. And that’s both exciting... and terrifying.

Let’s go win the AL East and bring playoff baseball back North of the Border! 🇨🇦⚾