When the Blue Jays signed IKF in the offseason, we knew he was sharp defensively. He’s been hitting well so far in the 2024 season. His batting average has been decent, and he’s been hitting with RISP. The Blue Jays needed to replace Matt Chapman at third base, and IKF has a Gold Glove at third. IKF has always been known for his defense, but so far in April, we’ve seen some solid hitting from IKF.
Blue Jays Gold Glover Showcases Offense in April
IKF
IKF drives in another run for the Blue Jays! 👏 pic.twitter.com/2LnQffguMU
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 14, 2024
He provided a nice additional run for the Blue Jays in the bottom of the eighth inning to give them a 5-0 lead against the Colorado Rockies. Adding on run(s) late in the game is always significant to provide extra insurance. After the Blue Jays victory against the Rockies, he earned his fourth RBI of the season. On April 9th against the Seattle Mariners, he had three hits, including an RBI. He also hit his first home run of the season against the Rockies on April 12th. In 44 at-bats this season, he’s recorded 13 hits, four RBIs and a stolen base. In April, he has put up 10 hits.
Playing With Confidence
The Blue Jays have been playing confidently, and several players have contributed to their success. Aside from IKF, Berrios has been the Blue Jays’ best-starting pitcher, picking up his third win of the season and providing them with another quality start. Justin Turner has also continued to be productive at the plate. While Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hasn’t been as hot as Turner, he has walked 9 times this season and picked up his sixth RBI of the season against the Rockies on Sunday afternoon. Alejandro Kirk (8 hits), Ernie Clement (9 hits), Cavan Biggio (13 hits), and Daulton Varsho (9 hits) have also stood out.
IKF has looked very calm and disciplined at the plate. In his last seven games, he has recorded a .375 batting average. His best season in terms of RBI production was with the Texas Rangers in 2021, where he recorded 53 RBIs. While he is not what you would call a robust home run hitter, he certainly has some pop to his bat, as he is good at hitting doubles. He has three on the season so far with the Blue Jays, and in both 2021 (25 doubles) and 2022 (20 doubles), he was solid with hitting doubles.
What’s Next For Toronto?
The Blue Jays’ next series is against the New York Yankees, and while it surely won’t be a cup of tea, the Blue Jays have provided the Yankees with their first home opener loss since 1967. It will be an interesting series, as both teams have been playing confidently. It would be killer for IKF to be productive against his former team. There’s certainly more than meets the eye with IKF at the plate offensively, and the 29-year-old is having a solid start to his season with the Blue Jays. He looks comfortable with his new team and is adjusting well.
Main Photo Credits: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
