DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Some of the Blue Jays’ roster decisions are already taking care of themselves, but not in the ways they’d hoped.
With the news that Anthony Santander will undergo left shoulder surgery and Shane Bieber will be delayed ramping up, the Blue Jays’ 26-man roster is already shifting its shape around these realities. While the Blue Jays are confident in their existing depth, they’ll need that depth to respond like it did in 2025 and external additions may reenter the conversation as camp rolls on.
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 (2): Ernie Clement, Leo Jiménez
The 2025 postseason hero Clement is a sneaky Gold Glove Award candidate this year, especially if he’s sticking at one position. Given the Blue Jays’ ample outfield depth, the loss of Santander could actually open the door enough for Jiménez, who is just 24 but already out of Minor League options.
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 (5): Daulton Varsho, Nathan Lukes, Davis Schneider, Myles Straw, Addison Barger
With Santander undergoing shoulder surgery, which will knock out at least the first half of his season, expect to see more of Barger in right field. Joey Loperfido and eventually RJ Schreck will have a chance to compete for a role now, which is worth monitoring through Spring Training games.
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. That slides Ponce and Berríos into the No. 4-5 spots naturally, with Eric Lauer stretched out behind them if needed.
Relief pitchers (8): Jeff Hoffman, Louis Varland, Tyler Rogers, Yimi García, Braydon Fisher, Brendon Little, Mason Fluharty, Eric Lauer
Whether García starts the season healthy is still a real variable here, and beyond that, the Blue Jays will have some true competition in camp, especially with a pair of Rule 5 pitchers (Spencer Miles, Angel Bastardo). The Blue Jays could continue to add to this group in the early days of Spring Training.