Blue Jays manufacturing roster flexibility
Constructing a roster is never easy. While there are always locks, players certain to make the team, reserve players and sometimes younger stars can often find themselves battling for roles.
For the Blue Jays, the name of the game has always been flexibility. Nearly everyone one the team can play at least two positions, some as many as four. It's been their identity for the last couple of years.
For established players, they are firmly on the team, and cannot be sent down without their consent. Others may simply get cut. For those with less than five years of service there is the option rule.
Normally, a player has three options, but under conditions, can receive a fourth. This is what the Blue Jays are doing with Leo Jimenez and Hagen Danner.
This is great news for the team as they were both thought to be out-pf-options heading into spring training.
They are both eligible for a fourth option year due to their injury history.
Jimenez, who was listed as a likely trade candidates due to the dearth of middle infielders, missed a significant of time in both 2021 and 2022. He ultimately appeared in 63 games for the Blue Jays last year. As he can play short stop, he is of great value to the Blue Jays who can stash him in the minors, and use him as Plan A should Bo Bichette or Ernie Clement get hurt (or if Bo decides to leave after the 2025 season.)
Danner, who transitioned to the mound in 2021, left his big league debut with an injury after facing a single batter.. If healthy, he can be a great depth option for the Jays.
Both are expected to start the year in Triple-A.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 17 | 137 ANSWERS Blue Jays manufacturing roster flexibility Who is more valuable to the Jays? | ||
| Leo Jimenez | 118 | 86.1 % |
| Hagen Danner | 19 | 13.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
