2025 is Nathan Lukes' time to shine
At 30 years old, Nathan Lukes' time might finally have arrived.
The outfielder, who made his debut in 2023, has finally earned some respect within the organization after hitting .303 with one home, run 10 RBIS and a .373 OBP in 22 games last season.
When he first came up, Lukes was used mainly as a pinch runner and late-inning replacement.
When Daulton Varsho went down with a rotator cuff injury at the end of 2024, Lukes started seeing more playing time; he hasn't looked back.
This is where 2025 comes into play. With Varsho likely to miss the start of the season, the Blue Jays suddenly have an opening in centre field. While Joey Loperfido can also man the position, he seems more suited to left. Thus Lukes could find himself pencilled in as starter come opening day.
Lukes deserves it too. After starting the year in Triple-A, being called up, sent back down, getting hurt, and being re-called, Lukes finally found himself after being recalled late in the season.
Lukes also has the ability to play all three outfield positions, appearing in 12 games in left, eight in right, and three in centre. Although it may seem like centre field is not a fit, with Addison Barger due to receive more time in left field, and with George Springer entrenched in right, it feels like centre is where Lukes will be able to get the most reps.
This is not to say that he couldn't see time at the corners on days where Springer DH's and/or Barger plays elsewhere, but at least in the early part of the season, this is where he should find playing time.
While Will Wagner was recently touted as a potential breakout Blue Jay for 2025, If Lukes can get regular reps, there's no reason he couldn't be one either.
