Coaching staff

On October 21, 2012, the Blue Jays officially announced that they had released their manager John Farrell from his contract in the same agreement that sent David Carpenter to the Red Sox in exchange for Mike Avilés.^[1]

On November 20, 2012, the Blue Jays announced that former manager John Gibbons would once again manage the Blue Jays, in 2013.

On November 26, 2012, the Blue Jays announced most of the coaching staff that will be working under John Gibbons. Five of its six coaching positions were filled. DeMarlo Hale (bench coach), Chad Mottola (hitting coach), Dwayne Murphy (first base coach) Luis Rivera (third base coach) and Pete Walker (pitching coach) were all signed on.^[2] The following month, Pat Hentgen was hired as the bullpen coach.

Departing players

After the end of the 2012 season, the Blue Jays lost a number of players including Carlos Villanueva, Kelly Johnson, Jason Frasor and Brandon Lyon. They also declined the option for Rajai Davis, but instead gave him a $2.5 million one-year contract.

Player signings

The Blue Jays started their offseason by signing free agent Maicer Izturis to a three-year $9 million deal with an option year, on November 8. On November 16, they signed free agent Melky Cabrera to a two-year $16 million deal.

Trades

On the same day as the Izturis signing, the Blue Jays acquired RHP Jeremy Jeffress from the Kansas City Royals for cash considerations. They then completed a trade with the Cleveland Indians in which they acquired RHP Esmil Rogers in exchange for the newly acquired Mike Avilés and Yan Gomes.

On November 14, Toronto Blue Jays and Miami Marlins completed a blockbuster trade. Toronto acquired pitcher Josh Johnson, pitcher Mark Buehrle, shortstop José Reyes, utility man Emilio Bonifacio, and catcher John Buck. In return, Toronto sent pitcher Henderson Álvarez, pitching prospect Justin Nicolino, outfield prospect Jake Marisnick, infielder Yunel Escobar, infielder Adeiny Hechavarria, catcher Jeff Mathis and pitching prospect Anthony DeSclafani. Toronto also received $8+ million in cash from the Marlins. The mega-trade is described as a fire sale after the Marlins took on huge salaries a year prior, and dumped all of their high-salaried players.^[3][4]

On December 17, 2012, the Blue Jays acquired the 2012 National League Cy Young Award winner R. A. Dickey in a trade with the New York Mets that sent prospects Travis D'Arnaud, Noah Syndergaard, minor leaguer Wuilmer Becrra and catcher John Buck to New York. Toronto also received catcher Josh Thole and minor league catcher Mike Nickeas in the trade. As part of the transaction, the Blue Jays signed Dickey to an extension worth a total of $29 million over 3 years with a $12 million 4th year option.^[5]

Opening Day

The Blue Jays began their 2013 season on April 2, with a home game against the Cleveland Indians. On February 5, 2013 at the annual state of the franchise address, manager John Gibbons named reigning National League Cy Young Award winner R. A. Dickey as the opening day starter for the Blue Jays.^[6][7]

American League East

American League Wild Card

Roster

Batting

Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; R = Runs; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; SB = Stolen bases; BB = Walks; AVG = Batting average; SLG = Slugging average

Source:

Pitching

Note: W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; G = Games pitched; GS = Games started; SV = Saves; IP = Innings pitched; H = Hits allowed; R = Runs allowed; ER = Earned runs allowed; BB = Walks allowed; SO = Strikeouts

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