Blue Jays' Left Field Options Provide Plenty of Intrigue
Things could get interesting for the Blue Jays in left field.
While so much of the off season has focused Juan Soto and the Blue Jays need and desire for pitching, the outfield situation has largely been ignored. And it's one that has a lot of intrigue for the club.
After Daulton Varsho took over centre fielder following the mid-season trade of Kevin Kiermaier, left field at Rogers centre became a bit of a revolving door.
But while trades and free agent signings are the likely solution to other needs, left field feels like a position they can fill internally.
It also possible that the Blue Jays will need a temporary option in centre should Varsho not be ready in time as he continues his recovery from off-season shoulder surgery.
But with and Springer entrenched in their positions, left field will be the biggest question mark.
Addison Barger feels like the most likely candidate to start in left.
While he only appeared in 10 games there year, and while his arm and defensive profile make him more suited to right field, he will definitely get some reps in left and shift to right on days George Springer sits or DHs. If the Blue Jays decided to shift Georgie to centre in Varsho's absence, then Barger can slide over to right.
Davis Schneider also looked great in left last year as he began the transition from 2nd base. But with a dearth of middle infielder and with Schneider filling the same positional profile as Barger, he is a good candidate to be dealt before the season.
Nathan Lukes has experience at all three outfield positions and could be a short term in centre. And while the Blue Jays like him, they have been hesitant to use him with any regularity. Much like Schneider, he could become the victim of a roster crunch.
Joey Loperfido is perhaps the most natural left fielder out of the bunch and can also play centre when needed. He will be given as many opportunities as he can to be the every day left fielder.
Jonatan Clase is the only true centrefielder of the bunch. He is a candidate to fill in Varsho should the latter not be ready by the time the season starts, and could also occasionally see time in left field as well.
Steward Berroa is also an option here. While he has great speed and is decent in the field, his hitting has been underwhelming. Look for the Jays to use him as depth or a possible trade piece.
One intriguing name to mention here is Alan Roden.
The Blue Jays are high on the minor league who showed great promise with the bat last year. And while he will most likely start the season in Triple-A he could force the Jays hand with a great spring. Either way, expect to see him at same point in 2025.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 7 | 220 ANSWERS Blue Jays' Left Field Options Provide Plenty of Intrigue Who will be the Blue Jays starting left fielder? | ||
| Addison Barger | 52 | 23.6 % |
| Joey Loperfido | 97 | 44.1 % |
| Davis Schneider | 27 | 12.3 % |
| Nathan Lukes | 44 | 20 % |
| List of polls | ||
