Myles Straw contemplated leaving his professional baseball career at 29 years old around this time last year. He had been playing for the triple-A Columbus Clippers, the minor-league team of the Cleveland Guardians, after going through outright waivers in March 2024. Feeling uncertain about his future in the major leagues, Straw considered prioritizing his family life over baseball.
“I was close to quitting baseball. It was a tough decision, but I had my daughter in mind,” Straw shared with reporters recently. Despite his initial doubts, he acknowledged that he had more to offer in the sport.
Straw’s fortunes changed when he was called up to the Guardians on Sept. 17, where he played seven games and then got traded to the Toronto Blue Jays on Jan. 17, including cash and international signing pool space in the deal. Although the trade was primarily focused on acquiring bonus pool space for the Blue Jays to pursue Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, who later chose the Los Angeles Dodgers, it opened up a new chapter for Straw.
Following a conversation with Toronto hitting coach David Popkins after the trade, Straw found a renewed sense of purpose. His impressive .462 batting average during Grapefruit League play with the Blue Jays further fueled his determination. Moving closer to home for spring training and bonding with his new team members added to his enthusiasm for the upcoming season.
Selected to start the season on the Blue Jays’ major-league roster, Straw became a key player in the team’s outfield, often substituting for centre-fielder Daulton Varsho. Blue Jays manager John Schneider praised Straw’s versatility, likening him to a right-handed version of Varsho. Straw’s exceptional performance, including a remarkable catch against Milwaukee Brewers’ Jackson Chourio and a perfect 3-for-3 at-bat, exemplified his consistency and value to the team.
Throughout the season, Straw has maintained a solid .272 batting average with four home runs, 30 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases in 116 games. His career statistics include a .248 batting average, 10 home runs, 155 RBIs, and 100 stolen bases. Notably, his Wins Above Replacement (WAR) stands at 2.9 this season, marking his highest since 2021, highlighting his defensive prowess and overall contribution to the team.
Expressing gratitude for his career resurgence in Toronto, Straw commended the team’s environment, from the coaching staff to the front office and support staff. He emphasized the positive atmosphere within the organization, recognizing the collective effort that has propelled his success on the field.