DUNEDIN, Fla. -- The Blue Jays have more big leaguers than roster spots, which is a fine place to start.
The recent addition of Max Scherzer brings an already crowded rotation to a new level, and the trade addition of Jesús Sánchez leaves them with an even busier outfield picture. So many of the Blue Jays’ roster decisions will come down to style and complementary skillsets, not just "the best player."
Here’s how it looks near the end of February:
Catcher (2): Alejandro Kirk, Tyler Heineman
This is one of the easier groups to project, and if Kirk can start another 110 games behind the plate, the Blue Jays will be thrilled. Keep an eye on Brandon Valenzuela, too, whom the Blue Jays acquired from the Padres for Will Wagner at last year’s Trade Deadline. He’s a switch-hitter and solid defender who could very well be the long-term backup option.
First basemen (1): Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Last season, Guerrero started 130 games at first, which is the sweet spot. Kazuma Okamoto and Ernie Clement can spell Vladdy, but don’t rule out another move here. From Brandon Belt to Justin Turner, Daniel Vogelbach and Ty France, Toronto has frequented that market behind Guerrero.
Second base (1): Ernie Clement
The 2025 postseason hero Clement is a sneaky Gold Glove Award candidate this year, especially if he’s sticking at one position. Leo Jiménez and Ben Cowles will have every opportunity to win a job, too, if the Blue Jays want more of a balance between infield and outfield to open the season, but that’s another spot which could change by the end of April.
Shortstop (1): Andrés Giménez
Speaking of Gold Glove Awards … a full season of Giménez at shortstop will be a treat. Yes, he needs to hit more after batting just .210 with a .598 OPS in his first season with Toronto, but injuries got in the way, and it felt like Giménez never found his groove. If he can drag that OPS up to .675 alongside his elite defense, that’s a very valuable player. The Blue Jays will feed Giménez all the playing time he can handle.
Third base (1): Kazuma Okamoto
With Addison Barger now expected to play more right field, Okamoto will focus heavily on third base, where he has a clear path to near-everyday reps. That’s a major challenge for Okamoto, who is adjusting to a new league, new pitchers and new life in North America after playing professionally in Japan, but the Blue Jays have high expectations for the former Yomiuri Giants star. Barger will still see time here, especially if Okamoto is used to spell Vladdy at first base.
Designated hitter (1): George Springer
Springer prefers “OP” for “offensive player,” but alas. The DH spot was the fountain of youth for Springer one season ago, keeping the veteran fresh for one of the most surprising seasons in recent Blue Jays memory. He’ll still see days in right field, where he’s perfectly capable and still has excellent ball skills on difficult catches, but Toronto's 2025 MVP is the OP.
Outfielders (6): Daulton Varsho, Nathan Lukes, Davis Schneider, Myles Straw, Addison Barger, Jesús Sánchez
Another year opens with the Blue Jays being extremely heavy on outfielders, but this can work if Schneider and Barger slide back and forth frequently. Sánchez, a trade addition early in camp in exchange for Joey Loperfido, will likely face most right-handed pitchers.
Starting pitchers (5): Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, Cody Ponce, José Berríos
With Bieber’s ramp-up “delayed” as he deals with right forearm fatigue, it’s very difficult to see him being ready for Opening Day. Max Scherzer still feels likely to need a little extra time, too, so consider this the first draft of a rotation that could be changing constantly throughout the season.
Relief pitchers (8): Jeff Hoffman, Louis Varland, Tyler Rogers, Braydon Fisher, Brendon Little, Mason Fluharty, Eric Lauer, Tommy Nance
With García destined to start the season on the IL, that opens the door for some Rule 5 Draft arms in Spencer Miles and Angel Bastardo. Chase Lee will also get some looks, but he has Minor League options remaining while Tommy Nance, coming off a strong year out of the bullpen in 2025, does not. This group looks strong, but they’ll need ‘25 holdovers like Fisher and Fluharty to take the next step.