Straw 'having the most fun' of career playing with Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Myles Straw isn't just playing his best baseball in years - he's having a great time doing it too.
"I'm having the most fun I probably had in my career," he said, according to Sportnet's David Singh. "I'm happy to be here no matter what, whether I'm playing or not. I look forward to helping the team win that day, and it's just fun. It's fun to be around these guys every day."
The Cleveland Guardians traded Straw and international bonus pool money to the Blue Jays during the offseason - a deal that was heavily criticized after Toronto failed to land prized amateur free agent Roki Sasaki.
Straw's fit and price tag both raised concern. The 30-year-old accrued just 0.2 fWAR in 2023 and spent most of the 2024 season in the minor leagues despite owning a five-year, $25-million contract.
"I almost feel like I lost some love for the game," Straw said of his struggles. "And when you start doing that, the game doesn't give love back to you."
Straw is already worth 0.5 fWAR in 13 games with the Blue Jays, filling in for injured outfielder Daulton Varsho. He's slashing .379/.419/.552 with a home run and two doubles.
His defense, long his calling card, has also been excellent: He ranks in the 92nd percentile for outs above average.
The Blue Jays entered Wednesday with a 10-8 record.