The most important decisions from this group will come in the bullpen, where Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson could open the year on the IL.
Here’s where it stands now:
Catcher (2): Alejandro Kirk, Brian Serven
This is going to be Kirk’s show. As much as he can take, he’ll get, as Danny Jansen works back from a fractured bone in his right wrist. Serven will operate as the backup, a job he earned with a strong spring, and he could line up to catch Bowden Francis, if you’re looking at the schedule.
First base (2): Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Daniel Vogelbach
Giving Guerrero 125 starts at first base with one DH day per week feels like the sweet spot. Where this gets interesting is Guerrero’s primary backup, particularly with Joey Votto in camp. Votto isn’t just open to starting in Triple-A, he expects it as he “tries out” for the Blue Jays. No. 16 prospect Spencer Horwitz is also involved here, but it’s looking like the Blue Jays could open with Vogelbach as a bench bat and reevaluate that spot when Votto is ready.
Second base (2): Davis Schneider, Cavan Biggio
Biggio will play everywhere, but expect the largest share of those reps to come at second base, a position that will be a revolving door all season. Schneider has shown some swing-and-miss, both in late 2023 and this spring, but his power potential is too important to this team. If he can play a bit of left field, that makes it even easier for Schneider to maximize his lineups.
Shortstop (1): Bo Bichette
Bichette is the best bet on this roster to play 162 games, and the young star has continued to make strides as a defender. Bichette dedicates incredible time to that area of his game, and it is paying off. Isiah Kiner-Falefa can play short, and the Blue Jays could turn to Ernie Clement if injuries hit, but No. 5 prospect Leo Jimenez is a true shortstop and could force his way in.
Third base (1): Isiah Kiner-Falefa
This position looks like Kiner-Falefa’s to run with. He profiles as an excellent defender and can play nearly every position on the diamond, but so much of the focus will be on his offensive numbers. A Blue Jays lineup in need of offensive upside needs some of that to come from the hot corner. Through the year, Justin Turner could see the odd day here, too.
Outfield (3): George Springer, Kevin Kiermaier, Daulton Varsho
Carrying just three outfielders doesn’t feel ideal, but consider that after breaking camp with Nathan Lukes last season, Lukes made just 16 plate appearances over the first two months. Instead, the Blue Jays could opt to slide Kiner-Falefa, Schneider, Biggio and others to the outfield on certain days. If an injury strikes, a true outfielder could be recalled on a more permanent basis. Top prospects Alan Roden and Addison Barger would be in that conversation.
Designated hitter (1): Justin Turner
Turner is still going strong at 39. He’ll see limited time at first and third base, but he’s the best bet to be the Blue Jays’ DH for 100-plus games.
Utility (1): Ernie Clement
Clement has given himself an edge with an excellent camp. Manager John Schneider praised Clement for his “elite contact skills”, and when you combine that with his defensive versatility and athleticism, it makes him a nice MLB bench option. Santiago Espinal has a history with the organization, but Clement is the one who’s out of options here, which could be a tiebreaker if the organization values them similarly.
Starting pitchers (5): Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Chris Bassitt, Yusei Kikuchi, Bowden Francis
It looked like Gausman could miss his first trip (or two) through the rotation, but his outing in the Blue Jays’ final spring game has left the club optimistic he’ll be ready. Francis slides into the final spot with Alek Manoah still working back from right shoulder soreness, and at this point, Francis could take the job and run with it.
Relief pitchers (8): Tim Mayza, Chad Green, Yimi García, Trevor Richards, Génesis Cabrera, Mitch White, Nate Pearson, Zach Pop
With Jordan Romano (right elbow inflammation) and Erik Swanson (right forearm tightness) likely headed for the IL, Pearson feels like a lock. The Blue Jays could opt for the length of Yariel Rodriguez, but with a preference to keep him on a set schedule as he stretches out, Pop could get some early run.
https://www.mlb.com/news/blue-jays-2024-opening-day-roster
