2013 Toronto Blue Jays season

The 2013 Toronto Blue Jays season was the 37th season of Major League Baseball's Toronto Blue Jays franchise, and the 24th full season of play (25th overall) at the Rogers Centre. Despite high expectations heading into the season, the Blue Jays finished 74–88, in last place in the American League East.

Coaching staff
On October 21, 2012, the Blue Jays officially announced that they had released their manager John Farrell from his contract in the same agreement that sent David Carpenter to the Red Sox in exchange for Mike Avilés.

On November 20, 2012, the Blue Jays announced that former manager John Gibbons would once again manage the Blue Jays, in 2013.

On November 26, 2012, the Blue Jays announced most of the coaching staff that will be working under John Gibbons. Five of its six coaching positions were filled. DeMarlo Hale (bench coach), Chad Mottola (hitting coach), Dwayne Murphy (first base coach) Luis Rivera (third base coach) and Pete Walker (pitching coach) were all signed on. The following month, Pat Hentgen was hired as the bullpen coach.

Departing players
After the end of the 2012 season, the Blue Jays lost a number of players including Carlos Villanueva, Kelly Johnson, Jason Frasor and Brandon Lyon. They also declined the option for Rajai Davis, but instead gave him a $2.5 million one-year contract.

Player signings
The Blue Jays started their offseason by signing free agent Maicer Izturis to a three-year $9 million deal with an option year, on November 8. On November 16, they signed free agent Melky Cabrera to a two-year $16 million deal.

Trades
On the same day as the Izturis signing, the Blue Jays acquired RHP Jeremy Jeffress from the Kansas City Royals for cash considerations. They then completed a trade with the Cleveland Indians in which they acquired RHP Esmil Rogers in exchange for the newly acquired Mike Avilés and Yan Gomes.

On November 14, Toronto Blue Jays and Miami Marlins completed a blockbuster trade. Toronto acquired pitcher Josh Johnson, pitcher Mark Buehrle, shortstop José Reyes, utility man Emilio Bonifacio, and catcher John Buck. In return, Toronto sent pitcher Henderson Álvarez, pitching prospect Justin Nicolino, outfield prospect Jake Marisnick, infielder Yunel Escobar, infielder Adeiny Hechavarria, catcher Jeff Mathis and pitching prospect Anthony DeSclafani. Toronto also received $8+ million in cash from the Marlins. The mega-trade is described as a fire sale after the Marlins took on huge salaries a year prior, and dumped all of their high-salaried players.

On December 17, 2012, the Blue Jays acquired the 2012 National League Cy Young Award winner R. A. Dickey in a trade with the New York Mets that sent prospects Travis D'Arnaud, Noah Syndergaard, minor leaguer Wuilmer Becrra and catcher John Buck to New York. Toronto also received catcher Josh Thole and minor league catcher Mike Nickeas in the trade. As part of the transaction, the Blue Jays signed Dickey to an extension worth a total of $29 million over 3 years with a $12 million 4th year option.

Opening Day
The Blue Jays began their 2013 season on April 2, with a home game against the Cleveland Indians. On February 5, 2013 at the annual state of the franchise address, manager John Gibbons named reigning National League Cy Young Award winner R. A. Dickey as the opening day starter for the Blue Jays.

2013 Draft
The 2013 Major League Baseball draft was held on June 6–8.


 * – Bickford did not sign with the Blue Jays by the deadline of July 12. Toronto received the 11th overall draft selection as compensation in the 2014 Major League Baseball draft, with which they drafted Max Pentecost.

Batting
Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; R = Runs; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; SB = Stolen bases; BB = Walks; AVG = Batting average; SLG = Slugging average Source:

Pitching
Note: W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; G = Games pitched; GS = Games started; SV = Saves; IP = Innings pitched; H = Hits allowed; R = Runs allowed; ER = Earned runs allowed; BB = Walks allowed; SO = Strikeouts Source:

Farm system
LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: Vancouver