Blue Jays Top 4 Greatest Shortstops in Franchise History

The shortstop position has evolved greatly over the years, once boasting a group of quick footed speedsters which has now changed to the production of more power hitters. The Blue Jays are no exception but despite the different role, the team has provided some of the best shortstops in MLB since its inception.

So here is our list of the best four shortstops to have ever played for the Blue Jays in their franchise history.

#4 Alfredo Griffin

Griffin was one of the pioneers of the Blue Jays team, as a steady fixture at shortstop in the early years of the Jays’ franchise. He played 8 seasons with Toronto and was AL Rookie of the Year in 1979, when he batted .287/.333/.364, had 21 steals. 

Known for his lightning speed between the bases, he’s the only player in Blue Jays franchise history with at least 10 triples in consecutive years. He also made the All-star team in 1984, as a replacement for an injured Alan Trammell.

#3 Troy Tulowitzki

Troy Tulowitzki was already an All-Star when he was traded for by the Blue Jays in 2015. The mega-deal ended up getting the Jay’s into a playoff spot, ending a 22-year post season drought. Despite Tulowitzki not quite putting up numbers like he did with his previous team, the Colorado Rockies, he did manage to bolster the team’s infield and provided consistency in the batting lineup. 

His best season with the Jays came in 2016, where he hit his 24 home runs, second-most by a Blue Jays shortstop at the time. He also managed .462 in the ALDS win over the Rangers as the Blue Jays advanced to the ALCS for the second consecutive year.

#2 Bo Bichette

While Bichette is only 4 years into his career, he has already started to write his name all over the Blue Jays record books. He was the first player in MLB history to start off with nine extra-base hits and four home runs in his first 11 games in the league. He already has eight multi-home run games in his career, twice as many as any other Blue Jays shortstop.

Bichette has led the American League in hits the last two seasons and has become a regular fixture in the All-Star games. He’s second in franchise history with 69 homers from the shortstop position and is just 14 behind Alex Gonzalez in nearly 500 fewer games. 

Chances are you’ll see his name at the top of this list if he stays with the Jays for any considerable amount of time.

#1 Tony Fernandez

Tony Fernandez’s resume speaks for itself, as a four-time All-Star with the Blue Jays and four consecutive Golden Glove Awards. He is still the franchise’s all-time leader in hits (1,583) and games played (1,450) as well as first in RBI (613) and batting average (.297) amongst franchise shortstops.

He was a part of the World Series winning team of 1993 after missing out in 1992 due to injury. His entry in the team marked a big switch in the team’s fortune in 1985, as they went on to win their first AL East title and begin their golden era.

If you’d like more MLB rankings and lists check out our picks for the Top 5 Blue Jays Catchers of All-Time and The Three Greatest Toronto Blue Jays Players of All Time.