TORONTO -- It feels like every position on the Blue Jays’ depth chart comes with a “but” at the end.
Barring further additions, players like Addison Barger and potentially Davis Schneider would be asked to shuttle between the infield and corner outfield. Another established infielder -- or the emergence of Leo Jiménez -- would simplify so much here, but Toronto leaned on versatility in 2025 and benefited from it.
This roster feels heavy on outfielders, too. If you count Springer (who will DH) and Barger (who will play some 3B), Toronto has seven outfielders on this first projection. Again, this is something it managed well in 2025, but it’s a complicated puzzle to put together each day.
As the Blue Jays trickle into Dunedin, Fla., for Spring Training, here’s where the roster stands:
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 is a sneaky AL Gold Glove Award candidate this year, especially if he sticks at one position. Under this current construction, Davis Schneider might need to slide in for the odd game at second base, but for now, the Blue Jays would be happy to pencil in 150 games of Clement at second.
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 (2): Addison Barger, Kazuma Okamoto
The most interesting spot on the infield, this is where Toronto can play matchups, leaving Barger to face more right-handed pitching and Okamoto to chew up the lefties. If Barger takes the next step as a hitter, then perhaps he finds a more permanent home in the outfield, but the Blue Jays will find a way to get each of these hitters near-regular reps.
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 (5): Daulton Varsho, Anthony Santander, Nathan Lukes, Davis Schneider, Myles Straw
Add in Springer’s reps and Barger’s, and this gets crowded quickly. Varsho is the everyday man in center, but the real variable here is Santander. How patient can Toronto be if he gets off to another slow start? Consider the outfield a true competition … and that’s a good thing.
Starting pitchers (6): Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, Cody Ponce, José Berríos
This will be the story of Spring Training. Right now, Berríos feels like he’s sixth in line. Perhaps the Blue Jays could toy with a hybrid six-man rotation to open the season, but barring an injury, either Ponce or Berríos will be bumped.
Relief pitchers (7): Jeff Hoffman, Louis Varland, Tyler Rogers, Yimi García, Braydon Fisher, Brendon Little, Eric Lauer
The trouble with a crowded rotation is that the Blue Jays can’t leave their bullpen short-handed. There are also two Rule 5 picks competing in Spencer Miles and Angel Bastardo (Miles feels likelier), along with some more established arms like Mason Fluharty. A healthy García feels like the biggest variable here.