The Blue Jays aren't only ready to compete now — they're built to last

There is plenty of hype surrounding the 2022 Toronto Blue Jays — and rightfully so.

By all measures, Canada's lone MLB team has the makings of a World Series contender.

The Jays boast one of the best lineups in baseball, led by MVP candidate Vladimir Guerrero Jr., former World Series MVP George Springer and shortstop Bo Bichette.

Their rotation goes five strong, featuring last season's marquee trade deadline addition Jose Berrios as ace and free-agent signing Kevin Gausman (formerly of the San Francisco Giants) as a top-tier No. 2.

The bullpen, like most, comes with question marks. But Canadian closer Jordan Romano equipped himself well in his first year in the role last season, and he's set for ninth-inning duty once again.

The contender status is reflected in both statistical projections and betting odds. But what those numbers also tell us is that there's a great likelihood Toronto will not win the 2022 World Series.

ZiPS, Fangraphs' trusted projection model, has the Blue Jays pencilled in for the same 88 wins as their division rival New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays.

There is so much that can go wrong over a 162-game MLB season — especially in the loaded AL East.

It's a good thing, then, that the Blue Jays aren't just all-in for 2022. The team is primed to contend for years to come.

WATCH | Blue Jays test new pitch-calling technology:

The addition of one more playoff team per league, beginning this season, obviously increases Toronto's odds moving forward.

And starting in 2023, MLB will implement a balanced schedule. For years, Toronto was doomed by its division, forced to play the likes of the Yankees and Red Sox more than out-of-division playoff hopefuls. But next season, the Jays will play the