Expectations for the Toronto Blue Jays were high after they reached the ALCS in 2016, where they lost to the Cleveland Indians. The Blue Jays were expected to ride their deep rotation and high-powered offense led by Josh Donaldson, Jose Bautista, Troy Tulowitzki, and Russell Martin to another postseason appearance.
Toronto cracked under the pressure early on in the season, as they had the worst April of any team in Major League Baseball. The Toronto offense, which ranked ninth in the league last season, struggled early. Most troubling for the Blue Jays was their lack of run production.