These AI-generated Toronto Blue Jays mascots are both terrifying and hilarious

The Toronto Blue Jays aren't exactly known for having the most memorable mascot. From the controversial BJ Birdy, to the short-lived Diamond, and, of course, the current forgettable Ace, few outside of Canada would be able to name Jays mascots, past or present, if put on the spot.

Jays fans have never really connected with mascots on the same level as higher-profile ballpark personalities like the Phillie Phanatic or Mr. Met.

Even much newer mascots like the (NHL) Philadelphia Flyers' Gritty (Philly clearly understands mascots) have been able to establish themselves with more recognition than Toronto's Ace in just a few short years on the scene.

But one sports writer has found a possible solution to replace Toronto's underwhelming baseball mascot, using the coming-for-your-job-soon menace of artificial intelligence.

Dan Szymborski, a writer at FanGraphs and ESPN contributor, asked AI software to design some new mascot ideas for the Toronto Blue Jays, resulting in 16 new mascots that range from hilarious to downright terrifying.

With the assistance of AI, I made 16 frightening new mascots for the Toronto #Bluejays pic.twitter.com/p8MWEr3HTy

— Dan Szymborski (@DSzymborski) April 19, 2023

Some of the AI-generated mascots look mostly harmless, if not somewhat cute, like the happy little chonky baby Jay seen in the top left of the second slide.

HR Puffinstuff vibes.

— YVR BlueJays Fan (@set921) April 20, 2023

Comparisons to children's characters from properties like H.R. Pufnstuf and Fraggle Rock seem to straddle the margin between cute and disturbing.

Some of them look like Fraggles (and now the theme song is stuck in my head)

— Robin (@joyeful) April 19, 2023

AI generations have a tendency to unintentionally nail the uncanny valley effect, making viewers slightly uncomfortable if not frightened.

Some of those are frightful 😳

— Todd Sondles (@ToddSondles) April 20, 2023

Some of the AI creations fall closer to horror than kid-friendly ballpark entertainment.

Some of these are horrifying, and some look basically fine.

— John MacMillan (@macmiljohn) April 19, 2023

And while we're on the topic of kid-friendly, the AI generator apparently tried to sneak a less-than-appropriate joke in with one of the mascots' jerseys.

Nice pic.twitter.com/4D9Mj69sY9

— JackSlipperyEel (@JackSlipperyEel) April 19, 2023

However, there have been many positive reactions to the generated mascots. "Every last one of these is better than Ace," reads one comment. Another says, "I actually think they are adorable."