Top 60 All-Time Blue Jays: Just Missed Outs Include Casey Janssen and Scott Downs……..
Toronto, ON â June 27, 2025 â As the Toronto Blue Jays commemorate more than four decades of baseball, fans and analysts have been buzzing with discussions surrounding the latest release of the âTop 60 All-Time Jaysâ list. Celebrating 60 of the greatest players to wear the Jaysâ uniform, the list spans eras, positions, and contributions both on and off the field. While many of the names included were obvious choicesâicons like Roy Halladay, Carlos Delgado, and JosĂŠ Bautistaâthe list has also sparked debate for those who just missed the cut. Among the notable omissions are standout relievers Casey Janssen and Scott Downs, two pitchers who played pivotal roles during their time with the franchise.
Recognizing the Nearly Elite
The selection process for the Top 60 All-Time Jays was no simple task. A panel consisting of former players, media members, and historians considered various factors: individual stats, impact on team success, longevity, community involvement, and fan connection. With such a rich history and a roster of beloved names, narrowing the list down to just 60 left several deserving candidates on the outside looking in.
Among the most prominent snubs were Casey Janssen, the dependable closer who held the back end of the bullpen together through much of the early 2010s, and Scott Downs, the versatile and effective left-hander who brought stability and reliability to a transitional pitching staff in the late 2000s.
Casey Janssen: A Model of Consistency
Casey Janssen spent the bulk of his MLB career with the Blue Jays, donning the uniform from 2006 to 2014. A converted starter, Janssen found his true calling in the bullpen and ultimately took over closing duties in 2012. From 2012 to 2014, he converted 81 of 91 save opportunities, registering a career-best 2.56 ERA in 2013.
Despite his relatively quiet demeanor, Janssen was known for his fierce competitiveness and command on the mound. He pitched with poise and rarely let the moment get too big. His ability to induce weak contact and limit walks made him one of the more underappreciated closers of his time. Although he didnât accumulate the gaudy save totals of elite-level closers, his reliability and steady hand over nearly a decade with the club made him a clubhouse leader and fan favorite.
Scott Downs: The Quiet Warrior
Scott Downs joined the Jays in 2005 and spent six solid seasons in Toronto. A true left-handed workhorse, Downs filled multiple rolesâstarter, long reliever, and setup manâbefore ultimately finding his niche as one of the best left-handed relievers in the American League. His ability to retire both lefties and righties gave then-managers flexibility, and his career 3.13 ERA with the Blue Jays speaks to his effectiveness.
Though not flashy, Downs was instrumental during a time when the Jays were rebuilding and looking for reliable arms. He may not have been on playoff rosters or in Cy Young conversations, but his professionalism and production spoke volumes. Many fans still recall his crucial outings in high-leverage situations that kept the team in contention during tense games.
The Emotional Toll of a Snub
While neither Janssen nor Downs has publicly expressed disappointment about their omission, their exclusion hasnât gone unnoticed by fans and former teammates. Social media has lit up with debates, with many suggesting that the criteria may have placed too much emphasis on postseason play or offensive production, disproportionately affecting relief pitchers.
âI loved playing with both those guys,â said former Blue Jays catcher Gregg Zaun. âThey were true professionals, showed up every day, and gave everything for this team. They might not be on that list, but they were top guys in our clubhouse.â
The Broader Legacy
In many ways, being listed among the âJust Missed Outsâ of a list celebrating franchise history is still a high honor. Both Casey Janssen and Scott Downs remain firmly entrenched in Blue Jays lore. They represent the type of players who may not always command headlines but are essential to building competitive and cohesive ballclubs.
As the Blue Jays continue their season and the Top 60 list sparks conversation throughout the baseball world, fans are reminded that greatness comes in many forms. For Janssen, Downs, and others who just missed the cut, their legacies are intactânot because of accolades, but because of the memories they created on the mound and the impact they left on teammates, fans, and the organization.
Final Thought
Lists like the Top 60 All-Time Jays are meant to celebrate, to reflect, and, inevitably, to debate. But what they ultimately show is the depth of talent that has passed through the organization. Casey Janssen and Scott Downs may not have made the final 60, but in the hearts of many Blue Jays fans, theyâreforever part of the clubâs fabric.