'This group is hungry': Blue Jays open spring training with sense of urgency

Eager to look forward after another quick post-season exit last year, the Toronto Blue Jays opened camp Thursday with a sense of optimism and a belief that they have the ability to contend again in the always-tough American League East.

"This group is hungry," said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. "There's guys that definitely want to do more things than they did last year.

"Not ignoring some of the really good things that we did do, but there's definitely a sense of urgency to do a little bit more than we did last year."

It was the first formal workout day for pitchers and catchers at the team's Florida development complex. Some position players were on hand for training but they don't have to formally report until early next week.

In 2022, the Seattle Mariners erased a seven-run deficit in Game 2 at Rogers Centre to advance. Last year, Toronto managed only one run over two playoff losses at Target Field.

"That's water under the bridge now, we have to turn the page," said Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman. "The guys who have been here the last two years, we're definitely upset being 0-4 in the last two post-seasons.

"The goal is to always get that first win and then go from there. Obviously it starts today."

Most of the roster remains intact from the 2023 lineup with a few exceptions.

Third baseman Matt Chapman, designated hitter Brandon Belt and utilityman Whit Merrifield were lost to free agency.

Turner, who hit 23 homers and drove in 96 runs last year for the Boston Red Sox, will likely serve primarily in a DH role this season.

"He's already had an influence and impact on the organization from our interactions with him," Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said at an MLB media event later in the day in nearby