This story was excerpted from Keegan Matheson’s Blue Jays Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
At the bottom of the Blue Jays’ shopping list, beneath a long list of needs since crossed out by a busy offseason, is “another outfielder.”
It’s more of a luxury than a dire need at this point, something the Blue Jays would love to come to them at the right value as the arrival of Spring Training often spurs veterans to sign. If another outfielder is added, it would complete a remodeling of that position group that’s left only George Springer standing.
Teoscar Hernández (Mariners) and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (D-backs) have both been dealt, joined by Raimel Tapia, who was designated for assignment. In are Kevin Kiermaier and Daulton Varsho, giving this group a new defensive identity. But there’s room for one more, whether that comes now or during the season.
First, the Blue Jays need to consider what they have in the pantry.
Whit Merrifield has played all three outfield positions at the Major League level, including last season after coming over in a trade from the Royals. Then there’s Cavan Biggio, who can slide out to a corner outfield spot on days he’s not at second or third base.
Both Merrifield and Biggio, along with Santiago Espinal, will cover the second base reps for the Blue Jays. Biggio and Espinal can both back up third base, while Espinal can also back up Bo Bichette at shortstop. If needed, Biggio can play some first base, as well.
Is that tangled enough? It’s supposed to be. The Blue Jays -- like many MLB clubs -- are stocked with multi-position players. Unless you’re a star, it’s almost a requirement at this point.
There are days where one of Biggio or Merrifield will move to the outfield, but still, a traditional “fourth outfielder” would fit this roster nicely, especially if Toronto can find one with a platoon advantage or speed. It still makes sense for that to come externally, but if the Blue Jays choose to open this up for more of a competition, here’s who you’ll be watching:
Wynton Bernard (32, Minor League camp invite)
Bernard was one of the best stories in baseball last summer, making his MLB debut with the Rockies after 10-plus years playing in the Minor Leagues and internationally. Bernard has a connection to the Buffalo area, playing NCAA ball at nearby Niagara University, and could turn out to be a very productive member of the Triple-A Bisons this season. He’s coming off a season of 21 home runs with 30 stolen bases, though, and can hit lefties, so Bernard’s name is one to keep in mind through the summer months.
Nathan Lukes (28, 40-man roster)
Lukes deserves some shine. He put together an excellent spring one year ago, then went out and produced over a full year at Triple-A, where he hit .285 with a .789 OPS. Lukes may not blow you away with one overwhelming tool, but he’s produced consistently in the Minor Leagues and earned a spot on the 40-man roster this offseason. Lukes is another left bat, which the Blue Jays are prioritizing, and will have another shot at cracking the big leagues in 2023.
Otto Lopez (24, 40-man roster)
Lopez is the interesting one. Still just 24, the versatile Dominican spent much of 2022 bouncing on and off the roster but rarely playing. Lopez has experience playing the outfield and a track record of making contact at the plate. More importantly, though, he’s hit left-handed pitching very well over the past couple of seasons. A super-utility role still seems likeliest for Lopez, and he’ll need to produce, but there will be some MLB reps for him at some point in ’23.