Make or break time for Toronto Blue Jays' infielder without options
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
For Toronto Blue Jays infielder Leo Jimenez, this spring represents a pivotal moment in his young career.
Toronto Blue Jays infielder Leo Jimenez is set to make his 2026 Spring Training debut today, stepping into camp with more at stake than ever before.
Signed by Toronto out of Panama in 2017, the 24-year-old has methodically climbed the organization’s ladder, earning a reputation as a steady and reliable defender, particularly at shortstop.
While his glove has long been considered his calling card, Jimenez made his major-league debut in 2024 and showed flashes of offensive potential.
Over 63 games, the right-handed hitter posted a .229/.329/.358 slash line, demonstrating solid on-base skills even as he adjusted to big-league pitching.
There was optimism heading into 2025 that Jimenez could secure a consistent bench role.
However, injuries disrupted his momentum, limiting him to just 44 combined games between the majors and minors.
The missed time stalled his development at a crucial juncture and left his long-term role with the club uncertain.
Now, entering 2026, the stakes are even higher. Jimenez remains on Toronto’s 40-man roster but is out of minor-league options.
Being out of options puts added pressure on Jimenez's spring performance.
Simply put, he will either break camp with the big-league team or risk being exposed to waivers.
Though Jimenez has said he’s trying not to dwell on his out-of-options status, he understands the situation.
He finds himself on the fringe of the roster, likely competing with outfielder Nathan Lukes for one of the final bench spots, barring any injuries that could open additional opportunities.
Few players in camp have more riding on a strong spring.
To improve his versatility, Jimenez has been putting in daily work with infield coach Carlos Febles, taking ground balls at multiple positions.
That defensive flexibility could be key. If he does earn a spot, it would likely be as the club’s primary — and perhaps only — reserve infielder.
Offensively, Jimenez’s minor-league track record suggests more upside than he has shown in the majors.
Known for getting on base throughout his development years, he has managed just a .303 on-base percentage and .635 OPS across 81 big-league games over the past two seasons.
Translating his minor-league approach to major-league production remains the next challenge.
Toronto’s infield depth is relatively thin, which could work in Jimenez’s favor.
Still, the recent waiver claim of optionable infielder Ben Cowles signals that the organization is preparing for all possibilities, including the chance that Jimenez may not secure a roster spot.
With the World Baseball Classic also on his schedule this year, Jimenez faces a defining stretch.
If he’s going to claim a role in Toronto, he’ll have to earn it the hard way this spring.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 22|97 ANSWERS Make or break time for Toronto Blue Jays' infielder without options Do you think Leo Jimenez will break camp with the Blue Jays? | ||
| Yes | 38 | 39.2 % |
| No | 36 | 37.1 % |
| Too early to tell | 23 | 23.7 % |
| List of polls | ||