A Small Swing Adjustment and a Big Year from Rowdy Tellez

In the 2019 season for the Toronto Blue Jays, Rowdy Tellez came face to face with a common problem.

The dreaded sophomore slump.

Tellez came onto the scene in a big way in 2018, slashing a blistering .314/.329/.614 through a 23 game stint in the majors at the tail end of the season. A small sample size, but hopes were high for the power hitter as he entered the 2019 season as a part of a young, developing Blue Jays roster.

Tellez was rewarded for his late season surge with a starting spot in the lineup but struggled mightily. He was batting just .227 before ultimately being sent back down to Buffalo in mid-July to re-gather his confidence and find his swing. And find his swing he did.

Tellez immediately began crushing the ball yet again to the tune of 7 home runs and 21 RBIs in only 26 games. And all it took was a minor change to his batting stance.

Working with Bison’s manager Bobby Meacham, he figured out the problem.

“All I did was stand up straight, that’s it” said Tellez.

"I didn't change my feet, didn't change where I stand in the box, literally nothing but stand up straight.”

Such a small change yet such a huge impact, Tellez carried his momentum into the 2020 season where he put up a much more solid .283/.346/.540 triple slash. He split time between first base and designated hitter this season and looks to remain in the same role heading into next year.

The 2021 season projects to be a big year for the Blue Jays, with expectations high after their first post season appearance since 2016. Toronto may still acquire some new pieces to bolster their infield. But if not, Tellez could see more time at first base if the Jays choose to move Guerrero Jr. back to third.

Whatever the case may be, Tellez and his bat will play a pivotal role in the lineup heading into 2021. It will be a year with lots of promise, but high expectations as well.