J.A. Happ recently recorded his 13th win of the season, a new career high win total for a single season. We’re not even into August yet and he continues to prove that 2015 was no fluke. When the Toronto Blue Jays signed Happ to a three year, $36 million deal this off season, the groans of Jays fans were heard around the country. Those groans have turned to cheers though throughout 2016 and he will be a key part of the rotation should Toronto make a playoff run.
J.A. Happ A Shrewd Acquisition for the Toronto Blue Jays
His 13-3 record is only a glimpse into the great season J.A. Happ is having on the mound. His 3.27 ERA and 100 strikeouts over 124.0 innings show that he can be a more than reliable arm on the Blue Jays roster. He went six innings of one hit ball with six strikeouts over his last start. This has become the norm for Happ and the 10-year veteran is headed towards the best season of his MLB career.
He was drafted 92nd overall by the Philadelphia Phillies back in 2004 and in 2009 captured the National League Rookie of the Year. He showed promise early and although it may have taken longer than most for his potential to be converted to success, Happ has become one of the best pitchers in the MLB over the past two seasons. A salary of $13 million may seem steep, but if he pitches throughout 2017 and 2018 like he has this year when he becomes a free agent multiple teams will be looking to acquire his services.
With the exception of the steady pitching from Aaron Sanchez, Happ has been the most reliable starter in the Blue Jays rotation this season. Marco Estrada spent time on the DL, Marcus Stroman struggled and R.A. Dickey has been dismal. The trade deadline looms and if Toronto can add an arm to the rotation, they will.
Happ could easily have a 17 or 18 win season, but a team cannot win a World Series with only two reliable starters. He has a 75-64 record over his career and is approaching the 1,000 strikeout milestone, currently sitting at 959. Jays fans may have been sad with the initial signing, but today they are certainly HAPPy.
Main Photo
