Blue Jays leaning on bats, looking for more after 3rd wild-card sweep in 4 seasons

There was no roster makeover, blockbuster trade or eye-popping free-agent signing for the Toronto Blue Jays this past off-season.

The club is essentially running it back with virtually the same core as last year and hoping the bats return to form.

"The mindset is just more excitement," said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. "Excitement for guys to get back to their norms a little bit offensively. Excitement for the pitching staff to do what they've done and find out ways to get better."

The 2023 edition of Canada's lone big-league team snagged the last American League playoff berth but was swept in the wild-card round.

Team brass did take a run at landing two-way superstar free agent Shohei Ohtani in the off-season but missed out. The Blue Jays then shifted focus to the foundation in place while hoping a few additions and some tinkering to team approach pays dividends.

The key cogs in the starting rotation were reliable last year and team defence improved significantly. However, offensive play was mediocre and proved to be the team's undoing in a brief two-game playoff run.

Some changes were made to the coaching structure with bench coach Don Mattingly adding offensive coordinator to his title and DeMarlo Hale returning to the club as an associate manager.

If the bats deliver and the pitching remains on point, the Blue Jays could contend in the American League East.

"It's just a complete club," said veteran slugger Justin Turner, who signed a one-year deal with Toronto. "I think the starting pitching, the bullpen, the defence, the potential lineup is insane.

"There aren't a lot of holes in this room. I'm excited to be a part of it."

The pitching staff, particularly the starting rotation, was durable last season. But this