Four Ontario Blue Jays alum played in the big leagues in 2021

Ontario Blue Jays alum Zach Pop (Brampton, Ont.) was a key member of the Miami Marlins’ bullpen in 2021. Photo: Twitter

October 13, 2021

Official Ontario Blue Jays News Release

With the MLB Postseason in full swing, we take a look back at our four Ontario Blue Jays alumni that played Major League Baseball this past year.

Entering his third MLB season, OF Josh Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.) had positioned himself as a starting big leaguer for Terry Francona's Cleveland Indians for the 2021 season. After getting off to a strong start, Naylor suffered a season-ending injury in Minnesota on a collision with his teammate, Ernie Clement. Naylor continues his rehab in Arizona as he prepares for his comeback in the 2022 season.

Naylor’s 2021 MLB Stats:

A newcomer to the MLB ranks, RHP Zach Pop (Brampton, Ont.) made his MLB debut on April 3 against the Tampa Bay Rays when he threw a scoreless inning and didn't allow a hit. From there, Pop continued his role as a Marlins relief pitcher throughout 2021, he appeared in the fifth-most games (50) and threw the third most innings (54 2/3) out of the Miami bullpen. Pop will look to return and build on his role this coming season.

Pop’s 2021 MLB Stats:

The hometown closer, a familiar face in Toronto (even when he lost the beard), RHP Jordan Romano (Markham, Ont.) who solidified his role as the Toronto Blue Jays closer this year and helped push the team towards the playoffs for another year. Featuring an overpowering fastball that at times sat above 100 mph and a wipeout slider, he looks to remain the Blue Jays’ closer moving forward after a strong 2021 campaign.

Romano’s 2021 MLB Stats:

Last, but certainly not least, is the newest OBJ Alumni to make his MLB debut, OF Jacob Robson (Windsor, Ont.) who put together an exceptional season the minor leagues before making his debut at Camden Yards on August 12. Robson played in seven games before being sent back down to the triple-A Toledo Mud Hens. Robson will return to the Tigers in 2022, looking to break spring training with the MLB team.