On January 27, 2021, the Toronto Blue Jays made a pivotal move in their offseason by signing infielder Marcus Semien to a one-year, $18 million contract. Semien, who had previously spent six seasons with the Oakland Athletics, was coming off a slightly down year in the shortened 2020 season. However, his breakout 2019 campaign, in which he finished third in AL MVP voting with 33 home runs, 92 RBIs, and a league-leading 747 plate appearances, made him a highly sought-after free agent. The Blue Jays believed his addition would bolster their lineup and provide veteran leadership to a young core led by players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette.
Semien’s arrival in Toronto marked a turning point for the franchise, as he was slotted to play second base—an adjustment for the shortstop by trade. The move proved to be a masterstroke. In 2021, Semien delivered one of the best seasons ever by a second baseman, smashing 45 home runs, setting a new single-season record for the position, and driving in 102 RBIs. His combination of power, durability, and defensive prowess helped the Blue Jays contend for a playoff spot, though they narrowly missed out on the postseason. Semien’s stellar performance earned him his first Gold Glove Award, a Silver Slugger, and a third-place finish in AL MVP voting for the second time in his career.
While his tenure with the Blue Jays was brief, Semien’s impact was monumental. His record-breaking contributions helped solidify Toronto’s status as a rising force in the AL East. Although he departed in free agency after the season, signing a lucrative long-term deal with the Texas Rangers, Semien’s 2021 season remains one of the greatest in franchise history. His signing not only brought immediate success but also demonstrated the Blue Jays’ commitment to competing at the highest level.
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