Myles Straw isn't the flashy superstar fans dream about, but his "Swiss Army Knife" utility is exactly what a championship contender needs.
Let's be honest: when the Jays acquired him last year, it felt like a salary dump to chase Roki Sasaki.
But funny things happen in baseball—sometimes the "throw-in" becomes a crucial piece of the puzzle.
Straw (Drafted Round 12, 2015 by Houston) is coming off a surprisingly effective 2025 campaign where he found his role and thrived in it.
He posted a respectable .262 average and swiped 12 bags, but his real value doesn't show up in the box score.
Defensively, he remains elite, saving 15 runs (DRS) in center field despite limited innings.
In a crowded outfield picture with George Springer aging and Daulton Varsho needing rest, Straw is the perfect insurance policy.
He accepts his role as a late-inning defensive replacement and pinch-runner without complaint, a trait that is priceless in a winning clubhouse.
His 91 wRC+ last season was his second-best ever, proving he isn't a total zero at the plate anymore.
The "Fifth Outfielder" is the unsung hero of October
Championship teams always have that one guy who comes off the bench in the 8th inning to steal a base or make a diving catch.
Think of him as the Dave Roberts of this squad—speed and defense on demand.
With a salary of $7 million for 2026, he isn't cheap, but the Guardians are subsidizing part of that cost.
The Jays have a "good problem" with guys like Nathan Lukes and Joey Loperfido pushing for spots, but Straw offers a floor of certainty.
You know exactly what you're getting: elite speed, gold glove defense, and a veteran presence.
He won't hit 20 homers, and he won't win MVP.
But in a one-run game in September, when a fly ball is drifting into the gap, there is nobody else you'd rather see running it down.
He’s the safety net that allows the big bats to take risks.
Don't sleep on the value of a guy who knows his job and does it perfectly.
Is Myles Straw the best defensive player they have?
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