New look Toronto Blue Jays lineup will need a lot to go right in 2026

The thought of adding Kyle Tucker or bringing back Bo Bichette ramped up expectations for Toronto Blue Jays fans in 2026.

Clearly, at least in the case of Tucker, it thrilled Blue Jays ownership and executives as well.

Either of those big bats would've elevated Toronto's hitting group above the one that carried the Blue Jays to the World Series last year.

So, without Tucker or Bichette, where does the lineup stand?

As much potential as Toronto's lineup possesses, there isn't a ton of guaranteed certainty in terms of production beyond Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who'll face massive expectations out of the gate coming off one of the most memorable post-season performances in franchise history.

But what happens if his power stroke comes along slowly again, as it has during each of the last two seasons?

Or what if Anthony Santander doesn't bounce back the way everyone hopes he will?

The team is also counting on newcomer Kazuma Okamoto. The Japanese infielder/utilityman is the big unknown of Toronto's offseason.

The Blue Jays, internally, are optimistic Okamoto's adaptable bat skills and power will translate to the big leagues, given his ability to hit high velocity in NPB.

FanGraphs' projections don't have the same under-the-hood reports that prompted Toronto to sign Okamoto.

Still, they're also pretty high on him, projecting Okamoto with 24 home runs, a 113 weighted runs created plus and 2.7 WAR (third among all Toronto hitters).

However, FanGraphs' Depth Chart projections have the Blue Jays' roster producing the second-most wins above replacement as a team (46.6) next season, trailing only, well, the Los Angeles Dodgers' superteam (54.3).

Thus, reinforcing the belief that this team is good enough to not only contend for a playoff spot in 2026, but to also return to the World Series next fall - the franchise's ultimate goal after coming within two outs of winning their first title in 32 years last November.

Toronto is projected to have about four fewer WAR from their hitting group compared with last year, which makes sense the loss of Bichette and potential steps back for certain players.

Depth Charts projects George Springer to be about half as valuable (2.6 fWAR) as he was last year (5.2) and less production from Addison Barger and Ernie Clement.

However, that's somewhat offset by significant steps forward projected for Andres Gimenez and Anthony Santander.

Overall, Toronto's lineup doesn't project to be the best in baseball. However, though there could be room for another bat, especially a lefty at the top of the lineup, it's still a well-above-average group.

Without another meaningful offensive addition, this lineup will feature less margin for error as it begins the post-Bichette era.

And if things don't go their way, the onus will suddenly shift to the newly upgraded pitching staff to keep their heads above water.

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