Former MLB first baseman and World Series champion Eric Hosmer sees some familiar traits in the 2024 Toronto Blue Jays — ones that remind him of his own 2014 Kansas City Royals team. Speaking on OverDrive, Hosmer discussed how Toronto’s depth and versatility stand out, especially when matched up against powerhouse clubs like the Los Angeles Dodgers. “When you’re going against a team like the Dodgers, you’re probably not going to match them star for star,” Hosmer explained.
Eric Hosmer Sees Parallels Between Blue Jays and 2014 Royals originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Former MLB first baseman and World Series champion Eric Hosmer sees some familiar traits in the 2024 Toronto Blue Jays — ones that remind him of his own 2014 Kansas City Royals team.
Speaking on OverDrive, Hosmer discussed how Toronto’s depth and versatility stand out, especially when matched up against powerhouse clubs like the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“When you’re going against a team like the Dodgers, you’re probably not going to match them star for star,” Hosmer explained. “You can’t just try to beat them that way. You’ve got to find different ways to win — whether it’s on the basepaths, taking advantage of relievers who don’t hold runners well, playing some small ball, dropping a bunt down, or getting a hit-and-run going. I see the Blue Jays do that a lot.”
Hosmer pointed to Toronto's role players and system-developed talent as key factors. "Those guys can play baseball and they seem to know the right time to push those buttons, especially the role guys. The players who come up through their system know exactly what their job is, and that's something special."
That approach he said, is what brought to mind his own Royals club that reached the 2014 World Series. “I hate to be that guy, but it kind of reminds me of 2014 — our Kansas City Royals team. We didn’t really have that big superstar. We could beat you in many ways offensively. The Blue Jays have their superstars, but they can also beat you in any way if the bats aren’t there that night.”
Toronto's depth is translating into real results this season. Sitting at 69-50, they currently own first place in the American League East. The Blue Jays lead the majors with 37 comeback wins and are capitalizing on a disciplined offensive approach, boasting the lowest strikeout rate in MLB (17.4%). They also rank first in batting average (.269) and on-base percentage (.339).
If Hosmer’s comparison holds, the Blue Jays might just have that same resilient spark that powered those Royals over a decade ago.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
