Toronto Blue Jays full squad workout: Early roster projection
Photo credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
Toronto Blue Jays first Spring training full squad workouts started today, so lets take a look at where the roster stands with the latest injuries and acquisitions.
A few unexpected injuries forced the Toronto Blue Jays’s front office to act quickly in recent weeks, tweaking the roster just before camp intensified.
With the full squad now on the field, we can take an early look at how things stand heading toward Opening Day.
First full squad workout: #BlueJays
Of course, one more injury or outside acquisition could still shift the outlook. But as it stands, the Blue Jays appear largely set.
The starting lineup and rotation feel close to finalized, while the most compelling competitions will unfold on the bench and in the bullpen.
Toronto Blue Jays Projected Starting Lineup
1. DH George Springer
2. LF Jesús Sánchez
3. 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
4. RF Addison Barger
5. C Alejandro Kirk
6. 3B Kazuma Okamoto
7. CF Daulton Varsho
8. 2B Ernie Clement
9. SS Andrés Giménez
2. LF Jesús Sánchez
3. 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
4. RF Addison Barger
5. C Alejandro Kirk
6. 3B Kazuma Okamoto
7. CF Daulton Varsho
8. 2B Ernie Clement
9. SS Andrés Giménez
Catchers: Alejandro Kirk, Tyler Heineman
If an injury arises behind the plate, 25-year-old prospect Brandon Valenzuela could be next in line for his MLB debut.
The switch-hitter is viewed as a defense-first option with a strong throwing arm and solid game-calling skills.
Infielders: Guerrero Jr., Clement, Giménez, Okamoto
Toronto lists only four primary infielders, but versatility helps bridge the gap.
Davis Schneider can handle second base, while Barger has experience at third.
Assuming good health, the starting infield should remain stable throughout camp.
Depth options include: Leo Jiménez, Rafael Lantigua, Josh Kasevich, Carlos Mendoza and Charles McAdoo.
Outfield Picture: Springer, Barger, Varsho, Sánchez, Nathan Lukes, Schneider and Myles Straw headline a crowded group.
Even with Anthony Santander recovering from shoulder surgery, the unit remains deep—perhaps even overcrowded following the trade for Sánchez.
Springer is expected to see significant time at DH, while Barger and Schneider can rotate onto the infield. Still, carrying seven true outfielders is a challenge.
Lukes and Schneider both project to have roles, though one could begin the year in Triple-A Buffalo if the club prioritizes a more traditional backup infielder.
Depth options include: Jonatan Clase, RJ Schreck, Eloy Jiménez and Yohendrick Pinango.
Projected Starting Rotation:
1. RHP Kevin Gausman
2. RHP Dylan Cease
3. RHP Trey Yesavage
4. RHP Cody Ponce
5. RHP José Berrios
2. RHP Dylan Cease
3. RHP Trey Yesavage
4. RHP Cody Ponce
5. RHP José Berrios
With Shane Bieber opening the season on the injured list, Toronto’s depth will be tested early.
More from the Blue Jays first full squad workout:
The top five appear locked in. Left-hander Eric Lauer is the likely next option; he’s building up as a starter but could open the season in a long-relief role if everyone stays healthy.
Depth arms include: Lazaro Estrada, Adam Macko, Michael Plassmeyer, Gage Stanifer and Chad Dallas.
Bullpen Outlook
Projected relievers: Jeff Hoffman, Louis Varland, Tyler Rogers, Tommy Nance, Brendon Little, Braydon Fisher, Spencer Miles and Eric Lauer.
Yimi Garcia, who underwent elbow surgery in August, continues his rehab and hasn’t yet thrown a bullpen session in camp.
Toronto hopes he’ll be ready for Opening Day but can afford patience given the surplus of bullpen options.
The Blue Jays have more than a dozen relievers with MLB experience, meaning difficult decisions loom.
Nance is out of minor-league options, while Rule 5 selections Spencer Miles and Angel Bastardo must remain on the roster or be offered back to their previous clubs.
With most core pieces in place, Toronto’s biggest battles this spring will revolve around depth, flexibility and final bullpen spots.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 16|140 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays full squad workout: Early roster projection Do you think the Toronto Blue Jays roster is better than it was at this time last year? | ||
| Yes | 87 | 62.1 % |
| No | 26 | 18.6 % |
| Too early to tell | 27 | 19.3 % |
| List of polls | ||