Toronto Blue Jays outfielder impresses versus Detroit Tigers
Photo credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jonatan Clase had a day in his second Spring Training appearance in 2026 against the Detroit Tigers on Sunday.
Toronto Blue Jays switch-hitting outfielder Jonatan Clase went 3 for 3 at the plate and drove in two runs as the Jays played to a 4-4 tie against the Tigers in pre-season action Sunday.
Clase opened the scoring with a two-run double in the bottom of the third inning for Jays.
Jonatan Clase sends one deep for a two-run double 💪
Barring an incredible spring, Clase considered a primary depth candidate for the 2026 season.
Acquired before the 2024 trade deadline alongside Jacob Sharp for Yimi Garcia, Clase was an average hitter with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, slashing .255/.335/.403 with seven home runs in 352 plate appearances.
He hit two additional home runs with the Blue Jays, including a game-tying home run against the St. Louis Cardinals in early June.
Although it was an average season at the level as a 23-year-old, Clase hasn't quite shown the promise he had earlier in his career.
In 2023, the outfielder split his time between the Seattle Mariners' High-A and Double-A teams, slashing .242/.353/.449 with 20 home runs in 595 plate appearances. That was sandwiched between years where he hit 13 home runs.
There's more pop in his bat than he's shown at the Triple-A level over the past two seasons, which is paired nicely with plus speed.
Last season with the Bisons, Clase stole 30 of 34 bases, as well as three bases in four attempts with the Blue Jays.
That's a better percentage than his 38 stolen bases in 51 attempts in 2024, but far below the 79 stolen bases in 94 attempts in 2023.
This winter Clase played for Águilas Cibaeñas in the Dominican Winter League (LIDOM), where in 16 games he hit .333, with 2 home runs, 2 doubles, with 8 RBI, and an OPS of 1.230.
With all the competition for the last outfield roster spot it will require an incredible spring from Clase to break camp with the Blue Jays
He was awarded and extra option year in January, and can still be sent down to Buffalo, meaning he's looked at as outfield depth in case of injury or a double header looking for a 27th man.
Clase's path back to the majors may take some time in 2026.
The Blue Jays host the Boston Red Sox on Monday at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Fla.
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MARS 1|92 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays outfielder impresses versus Detroit Tigers Do you think Joanatan Clase will break camp with the Blue Jays? | ||
| Yes | 48 | 52.2 % |
| No | 44 | 47.8 % |
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