Mar 14, 2021; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah (75) looks on during their game against the New York Yankees at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Blue Jays have been protective of the service time for their young stars in the past, but a few recent decisions show Ross Atkins has adjusted his philosophy.
That makes sense as the Jays have shifted into more of a win-now phase of the roster build, or are at least operating with the expectation of competing for the playoffs in 2021. As they did last season, their success is largely on the backs of their young stars, led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr’s performance as one of the best hitters in baseball in the early going.