The Toronto Blue Jays have taken a major step in honoring their history.
Oct 13, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Former Toronto Blue Jays Josh Donaldson throws the first pitch before the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners during game two of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
With the unveiling of the new “Hall of Excellence” at Rogers Centre, the franchise is moving beyond simple name displays and into a more immersive tribute to its greatest figures. The first wave of inductees includes some of the most recognizable names in team history—and Buck Martinez has now joined that elite group.
But the conversation is just getting started.
With future selections expected to involve fan input, the question naturally follows: who should be next?
Several candidates stand out, each representing a different era and impact on the organization.
Josh Donaldson feels like one of the most obvious additions.
His tenure in Toronto was relatively short, but it was unforgettable. Donaldson’s 2015 MVP season helped ignite one of the most exciting stretches in franchise history, as the Blue Jays returned to postseason relevance. He wasn’t just productive—he was central to the identity of those teams that came within reach of a World Series appearance.
Longevity, however, points the conversation in another direction.
Vernon Wells spent years as the face of the franchise during a period when success was harder to come by. While playoff moments eluded him, his consistency, defense, and presence made him a cornerstone for the organization. For many fans, he was the reason to stay invested during challenging seasons.
Beyond the field, the voices of the Blue Jays deserve recognition too.
Dan Shulman and Jerry Howarth represent generations of fans who experienced the game through their calls. Shulman’s national prominence and return to Toronto have solidified his place among the sport’s most respected broadcasters. Meanwhile, Howarth’s decades behind the mic helped define the soundtrack of Blue Jays baseball for an entire country.
Their contributions may not show up in box scores, but their impact is undeniable.
Then there are players tied directly to championship moments.
Devon White’s legacy is forever linked to the Blue Jays’ early 1990s dominance. His iconic defensive play in the 1992 World Series remains one of the most memorable highlights in franchise history. Add in his elite glove work and multiple Gold Gloves, and his case becomes even stronger.
And then there’s the present.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is still in the middle of his career, yet his influence is already impossible to ignore. As the face of the current era, he has carried the franchise back into contention and remains one of the most feared hitters in the game.
It’s rare to consider an active player for such honors—but Guerrero’s trajectory suggests it may only be a matter of time.
Ultimately, the Hall of Excellence isn’t just about numbers.
It’s about moments, influence, and connection to the fans. Whether it’s a dominant MVP season, years of loyalty, unforgettable plays, or voices that defined summers, each candidate brings something unique to the table.
As the Blue Jays continue building this new space to celebrate their history, the next wave of inductees will shape how that story is told.
And judging by the names already in the conversation, those debates are only going to get more interesting.
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