Why Blue Jays' Myles Straw deserves more recognition

Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Myles Straw. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Why Blue Jays' Myles Straw deserves more recognition

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Jul 24, 2026 10:45 AM ET

Despite the Toronto Blue Jays' downfall season, a player who deserves more recognition for his efforts both at the plate and on the field is outfielder Myles Straw. The 2022 Gold Glove winner has continued to provide solid defense paired with elite speed.

His Outs Above Average (OAA) of three ranks in the 86th percentile along with his elite sprint speed of 29.7 feet per second that sits in the 97th percentile. Despite not being known for his offensive abilities, he has provided the Blue Jays with clutch at-bats through his bench role.

A prime example was in the Blue Jays' 3-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on July 23. In the bottom of the seventh inning, Straw put up a productive at-bat, drawing a walk, followed by stealing second base and allowing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to cash him in with an RBI single.

It provided the Blue Jays with an insurance run to earn a much-needed victory and avoid a sweep.

In addition, in the top of the first inning, Straw made a spectacular catch to take a hit away from Jonathan Aranda. Straw has continued to be a vital presence who deserves more recognition for the critical things he does that provides a significant impact.

Myles Straw MAKES the catch pic.twitter.com/pBt7KqCnIK
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 23, 2026

Myles Straw provides versatility

Straw is a unique player for the Blue Jays as he has occasionally stepped in as a pitcher during blowout games this season. Across three games and three innings pitched, he has recorded a 0.00 ERA and given up five hits.

While he's not considered a two-way player like Shohei Ohtani, the fact that he's been able to play a position outside of his regular role showcases his versatility.

Clutch moments from Myles Straw in 2026

Straw has provided the Blue Jays with multiple clutch performances this season, and they all came in the month of June. On June 4 against the Atlanta Braves, Straw went 2-for-5 with a three-RBI performance that included a key two-run single in the third inning against veteran starter Chris Sale, as well as an RBI single in the ninth that led to a 7-2 victory over the Braves.

On June 16 in a 6-1 win over the Boston Red Sox, Straw put up a 14-pitch battle at the plate against starting pitcher Payton Tolle, which included fouling off nine pitches and eventually hitting a flyout that advanced Andres Gimenez from second to third base, who later scored by a sacrifice fly from George Springer.

Last but not least on June 22 in a 4-2 win over the Houston Astros, Straw showcased his solid pinch-hit abilities by hitting a clutch sacrifice fly in the seventh inning against Bryan King to cash in the go-ahead run.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

More must-reads: