Nick Ashbourne
@nickashbourne.bsky.social
Blue Jays at Sportsnet and Leafs at @mapleleafshotstove.bsky.social
🎧 Talking Leafs on the MLHS Podcast and co-hosting Blue Jays Happy Hour (https://www.patreon.com/BJHH)
🎧 Talking Leafs on the MLHS Podcast and co-hosting Blue Jays Happy Hour (https://www.patreon.com/BJHH)
Really like the Jesús Sánchez move for Toronto.
He can't hit southpaws, but he has a 113 wRC+ against RHP over the past three years with 41 HR in 1196 PA.
Helpful role player that cost TOR a guy in Loperfido who was having a hard time breaking through entering his age-27 season.
He can't hit southpaws, but he has a 113 wRC+ against RHP over the past three years with 41 HR in 1196 PA.
Helpful role player that cost TOR a guy in Loperfido who was having a hard time breaking through entering his age-27 season.
February 13, 2026 at 3:02 PM
Really like the Jesús Sánchez move for Toronto.
He can't hit southpaws, but he has a 113 wRC+ against RHP over the past three years with 41 HR in 1196 PA.
Helpful role player that cost TOR a guy in Loperfido who was having a hard time breaking through entering his age-27 season.
He can't hit southpaws, but he has a 113 wRC+ against RHP over the past three years with 41 HR in 1196 PA.
Helpful role player that cost TOR a guy in Loperfido who was having a hard time breaking through entering his age-27 season.
Reposted by Nick Ashbourne
It’s been a slow burn waiting for the #BlueJays return. @nickashbourne.bsky.social joined me to talk the opening of spring training and whether Toronto did enough to upgrade the roster.
Plus thoughts on what the #Leafs should do at the deadline and reactions to Canada’s loss to USA in women’s hockey
Plus thoughts on what the #Leafs should do at the deadline and reactions to Canada’s loss to USA in women’s hockey
February 11, 2026 at 9:23 PM
It’s been a slow burn waiting for the #BlueJays return. @nickashbourne.bsky.social joined me to talk the opening of spring training and whether Toronto did enough to upgrade the roster.
Plus thoughts on what the #Leafs should do at the deadline and reactions to Canada’s loss to USA in women’s hockey
Plus thoughts on what the #Leafs should do at the deadline and reactions to Canada’s loss to USA in women’s hockey
Reposted by Nick Ashbourne
This week @nickashbourne.bsky.social and I are looking ahead to the season, drafting teams of Blue Jays based on how we think they’ll over- or under-perform their ZiPS projections by way of FanGraphs’ RosterResource.
Plus! A Framber rumour, and (finally!) a proper statue!
Have a listen! 👇
Plus! A Framber rumour, and (finally!) a proper statue!
Have a listen! 👇
🎧BJHH: 213 - WAR Projection Over/Under Draft!
Plus a Framber rumour, and (finally) a proper statue!
stoeten.substack.com
February 4, 2026 at 6:28 PM
This week @nickashbourne.bsky.social and I are looking ahead to the season, drafting teams of Blue Jays based on how we think they’ll over- or under-perform their ZiPS projections by way of FanGraphs’ RosterResource.
Plus! A Framber rumour, and (finally!) a proper statue!
Have a listen! 👇
Plus! A Framber rumour, and (finally!) a proper statue!
Have a listen! 👇
The 2026 Blue Jays lineup has plenty of quality, but it's full of players whose production is tough to predict: www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
Blue Jays entering 2026 with high-volatility lineup
While it’s unfair to expect MLB hitters to produce metronomically on a year-to-year basis, teams with high aspirations often know what to expect from key members of their lineup — and that’s not neces...
www.sportsnet.ca
January 29, 2026 at 6:22 PM
The 2026 Blue Jays lineup has plenty of quality, but it's full of players whose production is tough to predict: www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
Reposted by Nick Ashbourne
🎙️New Podcast up with @nickashbourne.bsky.social -- How did we get here? mapleleafshotstove.com/2026/01/29/m...
The Maple Leafs' 2025-26 season is nearly over after 53 games. How did we get here? - MLHS Podcast EP112
The Maple Leafs' 2025-26 season is nearly over after 53 games. How did we get here? - MLHS Podcast EP112
mapleleafshotstove.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:53 PM
🎙️New Podcast up with @nickashbourne.bsky.social -- How did we get here? mapleleafshotstove.com/2026/01/29/m...
Reposted by Nick Ashbourne
Kyle Sucker—heh!—and Blow Bichette—get it?—are much wealthier than they were a week ago. But are Jays fans the suckers for expecting one to sign here? Did Ross Atkins blow it?
This week @nickashbourne.bsky.social and I talk all about these monster deals and the fallout from them.
Have a listen! 👇
This week @nickashbourne.bsky.social and I talk all about these monster deals and the fallout from them.
Have a listen! 👇
🎧BJHH: 212 - Suck and Blow
The Jays swing and miss on two more top free agents. Or... well... at least one.
stoeten.substack.com
January 23, 2026 at 10:24 PM
Kyle Sucker—heh!—and Blow Bichette—get it?—are much wealthier than they were a week ago. But are Jays fans the suckers for expecting one to sign here? Did Ross Atkins blow it?
This week @nickashbourne.bsky.social and I talk all about these monster deals and the fallout from them.
Have a listen! 👇
This week @nickashbourne.bsky.social and I talk all about these monster deals and the fallout from them.
Have a listen! 👇
The Blue Jays lineup may not be in desperate need of another bat, but it could accommodate one without any of the projected regulars losing too much playing time.
I took a look at how: www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
I took a look at how: www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
How one more hitter would impact Blue Jays lineup
Despite the top free-agent bats coming off the market, the Blue Jays could still bring in a position player. Sportsnet's Nick Ashbourne looks at how possible additions would affect Toronto's lineups.
www.sportsnet.ca
January 22, 2026 at 5:09 PM
The Blue Jays lineup may not be in desperate need of another bat, but it could accommodate one without any of the projected regulars losing too much playing time.
I took a look at how: www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
I took a look at how: www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
Reposted by Nick Ashbourne
🎙️ New Podcast 🎙️
@APetrielli.bsky.social & @NickAshbourne.bsky.social discuss Tavares’ recent struggles, the sign vs. trade conversations about McMann & Laughton, the confusing defense pairings, and Dougie Hamilton as a potential trade fit in Toronto 🎧 👇
#LeafsForever
@APetrielli.bsky.social & @NickAshbourne.bsky.social discuss Tavares’ recent struggles, the sign vs. trade conversations about McMann & Laughton, the confusing defense pairings, and Dougie Hamilton as a potential trade fit in Toronto 🎧 👇
#LeafsForever
The future of Laughton & McMann in Toronto, and the Dougie Hamilton question - MLHS Podcast EP110
The future of Laughton & McMann in Toronto, and the Dougie Hamilton question - MLHS Podcast EP110
mapleleafshotstove.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:11 AM
🎙️ New Podcast 🎙️
@APetrielli.bsky.social & @NickAshbourne.bsky.social discuss Tavares’ recent struggles, the sign vs. trade conversations about McMann & Laughton, the confusing defense pairings, and Dougie Hamilton as a potential trade fit in Toronto 🎧 👇
#LeafsForever
@APetrielli.bsky.social & @NickAshbourne.bsky.social discuss Tavares’ recent struggles, the sign vs. trade conversations about McMann & Laughton, the confusing defense pairings, and Dougie Hamilton as a potential trade fit in Toronto 🎧 👇
#LeafsForever
Reposted by Nick Ashbourne
MLB’s hot stove has finally started simmering again, and this week @nickashbourne.bsky.social and I talk all about the actual movement involving Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette’s meeting with the Phillies, the state of the Red Sox and Yankees, and more!
Have a listen! 👇
Have a listen! 👇
🎧BJHH: 211 - Tuckered Out? Or In?
The hot stove is starting to simmer again...
stoeten.substack.com
January 14, 2026 at 8:22 PM
MLB’s hot stove has finally started simmering again, and this week @nickashbourne.bsky.social and I talk all about the actual movement involving Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette’s meeting with the Phillies, the state of the Red Sox and Yankees, and more!
Have a listen! 👇
Have a listen! 👇
Just recorded an episode of Blue Jays Happy Hour with @stoeten.bsky.social, largely on the Kyle Tucker/Bo Bichette market, so if those could remain relatively stable for a bit, that would be excellent.
Thanks, baseball (contract) gods.
Thanks, baseball (contract) gods.
January 14, 2026 at 3:27 PM
Just recorded an episode of Blue Jays Happy Hour with @stoeten.bsky.social, largely on the Kyle Tucker/Bo Bichette market, so if those could remain relatively stable for a bit, that would be excellent.
Thanks, baseball (contract) gods.
Thanks, baseball (contract) gods.
With the Blue Jays spending big, the Yankees hardly spending, and the Red Sox standing on the sidelines, Toronto no longer seems structurally disadvantaged by sharing the AL East with the two traditional powerhouses: www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
How Blue Jays' free agent spending stacks up against Yankees, Red Sox
The Toronto Blue Jays' free-agent spending so far is unprecedented for the franchise, and it’s all the more significant because of the lack of action in the AL East. Nick Ashbourne compares it to that...
www.sportsnet.ca
January 13, 2026 at 4:39 PM
With the Blue Jays spending big, the Yankees hardly spending, and the Red Sox standing on the sidelines, Toronto no longer seems structurally disadvantaged by sharing the AL East with the two traditional powerhouses: www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
It's always tough to know what you're going to get from a high-profile international star.
But a combination of how much the Blue Jays have invested in Kazuma Okamoto and his early projections can help set some reasonable expectations: www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
But a combination of how much the Blue Jays have invested in Kazuma Okamoto and his early projections can help set some reasonable expectations: www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
How new Blue Jay Kazuma Okamoto compares to other MLB stars
www.sportsnet.ca
January 8, 2026 at 3:47 PM
It's always tough to know what you're going to get from a high-profile international star.
But a combination of how much the Blue Jays have invested in Kazuma Okamoto and his early projections can help set some reasonable expectations: www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
But a combination of how much the Blue Jays have invested in Kazuma Okamoto and his early projections can help set some reasonable expectations: www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
Reposted by Nick Ashbourne
🎙️ New Podcast 🎙️
@APetrielli.bsky.social & @NickAshbourne.bsky.social break down the Leafs’ promising depth contributions of late, their blue line picture moving forward, a big W over Florida, and the tough lineup decisions when Nylander returns from injury 👇
#LeafsForever
@APetrielli.bsky.social & @NickAshbourne.bsky.social break down the Leafs’ promising depth contributions of late, their blue line picture moving forward, a big W over Florida, and the tough lineup decisions when Nylander returns from injury 👇
#LeafsForever
The Maple Leafs’ four-line promise entering the second half - MLHS Podcast EP109
The Maple Leafs’ four-line promise entering the second half - MLHS Podcast EP109
mapleleafshotstove.com
January 8, 2026 at 1:30 PM
🎙️ New Podcast 🎙️
@APetrielli.bsky.social & @NickAshbourne.bsky.social break down the Leafs’ promising depth contributions of late, their blue line picture moving forward, a big W over Florida, and the tough lineup decisions when Nylander returns from injury 👇
#LeafsForever
@APetrielli.bsky.social & @NickAshbourne.bsky.social break down the Leafs’ promising depth contributions of late, their blue line picture moving forward, a big W over Florida, and the tough lineup decisions when Nylander returns from injury 👇
#LeafsForever
Kazuma Okamoto is a fascinating signing.
Stoeten and I talked about a player who isn't the easiest fit, but seems likely to improve the Blue Jays lineup in the short term — and possibly their fortunes in Japan in the long run.
Stoeten and I talked about a player who isn't the easiest fit, but seems likely to improve the Blue Jays lineup in the short term — and possibly their fortunes in Japan in the long run.
The Jays' latest signing is a player of great intrigue and great skill: former Yomiuri Giants star 3B Kazuma Okamoto.
And this week @nickashbourne.bsky.social and I are talking all about his arrival, and what it means for the Jays—and their other free agent pursuits. Have a listen! 👇
And this week @nickashbourne.bsky.social and I are talking all about his arrival, and what it means for the Jays—and their other free agent pursuits. Have a listen! 👇
🎧BJHH: 210 - Hello 'Moto
The Jays have signed a star from Japan, and they may not even be done yet.
stoeten.substack.com
January 7, 2026 at 12:52 AM
Kazuma Okamoto is a fascinating signing.
Stoeten and I talked about a player who isn't the easiest fit, but seems likely to improve the Blue Jays lineup in the short term — and possibly their fortunes in Japan in the long run.
Stoeten and I talked about a player who isn't the easiest fit, but seems likely to improve the Blue Jays lineup in the short term — and possibly their fortunes in Japan in the long run.
Kazuma Okamato seems likely to hit at the MLB level (Steamer projects a 110 wRC+). The bigger question will be his defensive fit on a team with a locked-in 1B and few DH at-bats available.
Clearly, there's some optimism in his ability to handle some 3B/OF innings, but the role is a bit opaque.
Clearly, there's some optimism in his ability to handle some 3B/OF innings, but the role is a bit opaque.
January 3, 2026 at 7:03 PM
Kazuma Okamato seems likely to hit at the MLB level (Steamer projects a 110 wRC+). The bigger question will be his defensive fit on a team with a locked-in 1B and few DH at-bats available.
Clearly, there's some optimism in his ability to handle some 3B/OF innings, but the role is a bit opaque.
Clearly, there's some optimism in his ability to handle some 3B/OF innings, but the role is a bit opaque.
Kazuma Okamoto has been an extremely consistent power threat in NPB with between 27 and 41 HR in each of his 7 full seasons before an injury-shortened 2025.
His 2025 was truncated, but impressive. He posted a 210 wRC+, and his K rate dropped to 11.3% without a power dip.
His 2025 was truncated, but impressive. He posted a 210 wRC+, and his K rate dropped to 11.3% without a power dip.
January 3, 2026 at 6:53 PM
Kazuma Okamoto has been an extremely consistent power threat in NPB with between 27 and 41 HR in each of his 7 full seasons before an injury-shortened 2025.
His 2025 was truncated, but impressive. He posted a 210 wRC+, and his K rate dropped to 11.3% without a power dip.
His 2025 was truncated, but impressive. He posted a 210 wRC+, and his K rate dropped to 11.3% without a power dip.
The Blue Jays have been active in free agency, but there are other avenues for setting the team up for the future.
I looked at some of the contract extension candidates on the roster:
www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
I looked at some of the contract extension candidates on the roster:
www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
Analyzing Blue Jays' extension candidates for 2026
There hasn’t been much talk of extensions in Blue Jays land yet this off-season, with the team in the running for impact players like Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette, but there are some intriguing candida...
www.sportsnet.ca
January 1, 2026 at 5:41 PM
The Blue Jays have been active in free agency, but there are other avenues for setting the team up for the future.
I looked at some of the contract extension candidates on the roster:
www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
I looked at some of the contract extension candidates on the roster:
www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
2025 was a heck of year in Blue Jays land and @stoeten.bsky.social and I have the month-by-month review:
It’s been a hell of a trip around the sun for the Jays, hasn’t it?
And this week @nickashbourne.bsky.social and I look back on all of it—from low expectations and an ugly start, to the coalescing of an elite team, to one of the all-time great—and all-time heartbreaking—seasons in sports. 👇
And this week @nickashbourne.bsky.social and I look back on all of it—from low expectations and an ugly start, to the coalescing of an elite team, to one of the all-time great—and all-time heartbreaking—seasons in sports. 👇
🎧BJHH: 209 - 2025 In Review!
A look back at an improbable, incredible 365 days in the history of the Toronto Blue Jays.
stoeten.substack.com
December 31, 2025 at 8:29 PM
2025 was a heck of year in Blue Jays land and @stoeten.bsky.social and I have the month-by-month review:
From the Mark Shapiro extension to the Tyler Rogers signing, there's plenty to talk about this week.
‘Tis the season for transactions big and small, and this week @nickashbourne.bsky.social and I had several of them to talk about.
Have a listen! 👇
Have a listen! 👇
🎧BJHH: 208 - Shapiro & Rogers & Lee & Plassmeyer & Bruihl (& Bo)
Transaction talk!
stoeten.substack.com
December 18, 2025 at 8:31 PM
From the Mark Shapiro extension to the Tyler Rogers signing, there's plenty to talk about this week.
The Blue Jays made a big bet that Tyler Rogers has staying power deep into his 30s.
What we've seen from MLB submariners in recent decades suggests they may be onto something: www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
What we've seen from MLB submariners in recent decades suggests they may be onto something: www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
Why Blue Jays bet $37 million on submariner Tyler Rogers
The Blue Jays' deal for reliever Tyler Rogers was at once intuitive and surprising. Sportsnet's Nick Ashbourne explains why Toronto handed $37 million to the 35-year-old submariner.
www.sportsnet.ca
December 16, 2025 at 5:45 PM
The Blue Jays made a big bet that Tyler Rogers has staying power deep into his 30s.
What we've seen from MLB submariners in recent decades suggests they may be onto something: www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
What we've seen from MLB submariners in recent decades suggests they may be onto something: www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
Reposted by Nick Ashbourne
If a Winter Meetings happens in Orlando, does anybody hear it make a sound?
This week @nickashbourne.bsky.social and I are talking all about the Winter Meetings, which have come and gone without having much of an impact on the Jays’ 2026 roster.
Have a listen! 👇
This week @nickashbourne.bsky.social and I are talking all about the Winter Meetings, which have come and gone without having much of an impact on the Jays’ 2026 roster.
Have a listen! 👇
🎧BJHH: 207 - Winter Meetings Roundup
If a Winter Meetings happens in Orlando, does anybody hear it make a sound?
stoeten.substack.com
December 12, 2025 at 1:27 PM
If a Winter Meetings happens in Orlando, does anybody hear it make a sound?
This week @nickashbourne.bsky.social and I are talking all about the Winter Meetings, which have come and gone without having much of an impact on the Jays’ 2026 roster.
Have a listen! 👇
This week @nickashbourne.bsky.social and I are talking all about the Winter Meetings, which have come and gone without having much of an impact on the Jays’ 2026 roster.
Have a listen! 👇
The high-end RP market is moving fast, but there are still a few guys who could help the back end of the Blue Jays bullpen: www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
Breaking down Blue Jays' top relief-pitcher targets
If the Blue Jays want a proven, high-leverage arm, they are running short on options — but there are still a few relievers remaining who could help them in the late innings. Nick Ashbourne has a list.
www.sportsnet.ca
December 5, 2025 at 5:32 PM
The high-end RP market is moving fast, but there are still a few guys who could help the back end of the Blue Jays bullpen: www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
Apparently, I'm the only guy out there visiting the FanGraphs pages of Blue Jays legends like Aquilino Lopez, Chad Jenkins, Joe Inglett, Gustavo Chacin, Randy Ruiz, and Danny Barnes.
December 5, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Apparently, I'm the only guy out there visiting the FanGraphs pages of Blue Jays legends like Aquilino Lopez, Chad Jenkins, Joe Inglett, Gustavo Chacin, Randy Ruiz, and Danny Barnes.
Reposted by Nick Ashbourne
At last, some reasons for optimism in Leafland. Except for the power play.
New podcast via @APetrielli.bsky.social & @NickAshbourne.bsky.social on the big wins in Pittsburgh and Florida, the forward lines stabilizing, Stecher's impact, the ongoing PP frustrations, and much more 👇
#LeafsForever
New podcast via @APetrielli.bsky.social & @NickAshbourne.bsky.social on the big wins in Pittsburgh and Florida, the forward lines stabilizing, Stecher's impact, the ongoing PP frustrations, and much more 👇
#LeafsForever
At last, some reasons for optimism in Leafland (except the power play) - MLHS Podcast EP107
At last, some reasons for optimism in Leafland (except the power play) - MLHS Podcast EP107
mapleleafshotstove.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:09 PM
At last, some reasons for optimism in Leafland. Except for the power play.
New podcast via @APetrielli.bsky.social & @NickAshbourne.bsky.social on the big wins in Pittsburgh and Florida, the forward lines stabilizing, Stecher's impact, the ongoing PP frustrations, and much more 👇
#LeafsForever
New podcast via @APetrielli.bsky.social & @NickAshbourne.bsky.social on the big wins in Pittsburgh and Florida, the forward lines stabilizing, Stecher's impact, the ongoing PP frustrations, and much more 👇
#LeafsForever
Reposted by Nick Ashbourne
Podcast time!
In which @nickashbourne.bsky.social and I discuss a fun, surprising, surprisingly fun signing, and ask the question: could José Berríos actually have trade value?
Have a listen! 👇
In which @nickashbourne.bsky.social and I discuss a fun, surprising, surprisingly fun signing, and ask the question: could José Berríos actually have trade value?
Have a listen! 👇
🎧BJHH: 206 - The Cody Ponce Emergency Podcast
In which we discuss a surprising signing, and ask the question: could José Berríos actually have trade value?
stoeten.substack.com
December 4, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Podcast time!
In which @nickashbourne.bsky.social and I discuss a fun, surprising, surprisingly fun signing, and ask the question: could José Berríos actually have trade value?
Have a listen! 👇
In which @nickashbourne.bsky.social and I discuss a fun, surprising, surprisingly fun signing, and ask the question: could José Berríos actually have trade value?
Have a listen! 👇