Top 24 Toronto Blue Jays of All Time Ranked by WAR: A Look at the Franchise’s Legends…….
May 17, 2024 — Since their inaugural season in 1977, the Toronto Blue Jays have cultivated a rich history filled with iconic players, historic moments, and two World Series titles. As one of Major League Baseball’s only two franchises based outside the United States, the Blue Jays carry a unique legacy in Canadian sports. Today, we take a deep dive into the top 24 players in Toronto Blue Jays history, ranked by Wins Above Replacement (WAR), the modern analytical metric that helps quantify a player’s all-around value to their team.
WAR accounts for both offensive and defensive contributions and adjusts for position and era. It provides a balanced and comprehensive method for comparing players across different generations. Using WAR as our guide, these are the players who left the greatest impact on the Blue Jays franchise.
Dave Stieb (WAR: 56.9)
The undisputed king of Blue Jays WAR, Dave Stieb was the ace of the franchise throughout the 1980s. Known for his fierce competitiveness and devastating slider, Stieb pitched for Toronto from 1979 to 1992, with a brief return in 1998. His seven All-Star appearances and no-hitter in 1990 highlight a career that should get more Hall of Fame consideration.
Roy Halladay (WAR: 48.2)
A Hall of Famer and beloved Blue Jay, Halladay was the face of the franchise during the 2000s. “Doc” won the 2003 AL Cy Young Award and was known for his durability, precision, and stoic demeanor. Though he achieved postseason glory with the Phillies, his heart always remained in Toronto, where he spent 12 of his 16 MLB seasons.
José Bautista (WAR: 38.3)
One of the most iconic Blue Jays of the modern era, Bautista’s legendary bat flip in the 2015 ALDS is forever etched in franchise lore. Originally a journeyman, Bautista exploded in Toronto, hitting 54 home runs in 2010 and making six All-Star teams. His leadership helped return the team to postseason prominence.
Carlos Delgado (WAR: 36.8)
Delgado was a model of consistency and power, leading the Blue Jays in most offensive categories during his tenure from 1993 to 2004. With 336 home runs in a Jays uniform, Delgado is the franchise’s all-time leader in that category.
Tony Fernández (WAR: 37.5)
The slick-fielding shortstop, Fernández was known for his smooth defense and contact hitting. Across multiple stints with the Blue Jays, he became a fan favorite and remains the franchise leader in hits.
Honorable Mentions in the Top 24
Other Blue Jays legends rounding out the top 10 include:
John Olerud (WAR: 30.2) – Known for his batting title in 1993 and brilliant plate discipline.
Jimmy Key (WAR: 29.7) – A crucial arm in the rotation during the late 80s and early 90s.
Vernon Wells (WAR: 28.7) – A Gold Glove center fielder and three-time All-Star.
Lloyd Moseby (WAR: 27.2) – A key part of the “Killer B’s” outfield trio of the 80s.
Fred McGriff (WAR: 25.9) – The “Crime Dog” launched his power-hitting career in Toronto.
Players like Roberto Alomar, despite his relatively short stay in Toronto, also cracked the list due to his enormous impact during the 1992 and 1993 World Series seasons. Alomar earned back-to-back ALCS MVP honors and a place in Cooperstown.
More recent stars such as Marcus Stroman and Josh Donaldson (2015 AL MVP) also appear in the top 24, cementing their legacies in the Blue Jays’ resurgence era of the mid-2010s. Donaldson’s all-around contributions and fiery leadership sparked Toronto’s playoff return after a 22-year drought.
A Legacy of Greatness
This ranking underscores the long-standing talent the Blue Jays have fielded over the decades. Whether it’s Halladay’s dominance on the mound, Delgado’s thunderous bat, or Fernández’s graceful defense, each of these 24 players helped shape the identity of a team beloved not only in Toronto but across Canada.
As WAR continues to be embraced by both analysts and fans, it provides a powerful lens through which to appreciate past greatness and assess the stars of tomorrow. With young talents like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette rising, perhaps it won’t be long before they join the ranks of the Blue Jays’ all-time elite. For now, the franchise’s history, as reflected in WAR, celebrates those who truly defined Toronto Blue Jays baseball.