Do the Blue Jays need a new leadoff hitter?
Is it time to re-examine the top of the Blue Jays batting order?
While George George Springer has been entrenched there ever since signing his six year deal with the Toronto in 2021, after his down year last season, many are calling for a change.
Springer has had career success as a leadoff hitter, both in Houston and Toronto. He is 2nd in leadoff home runs in his career with 60, behind the only the great Rickey Henderson, but over the last couple of years, his power and ability to get on base have decreased. In 2024, his OBP. was just .303.
So what are the Blue Jays options?
Bo Bichette has hit lead-off in the past but the Blue Jays seem to like him in the two hole where him and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. form a dynamic duo at the top of the order. Ernie Clement has the ability and build of a top-of-the-order guy but he has a career OBP at .282. Not what you want out of your leadoff hitter.
Myles Straw is an old school speedster but he has a very weak bat and may not have a roster spot heading into the season. Even he does end up filling in for Daulton Varsho, he would better utilized as a fourth outfielder.
That brings us to Will Wagner.
The Blue Jays rookie impressed in small sample size last year, hitting 303 with a 337 OBP. And while he only has 82 career at-bats, his high average with some pop is a perfect fit for the top of the order.
There's just one problem. Wagner may not get into the lineup everyday. The Blue Jays are set in the infield and Wagner doesn't yet have enough experience to start playing in the outfield everyday. Although, it wouldn't be surprising to see him in the left during Spring Training, if the Blue Jays want to get his bat into the lineup everyday, they could start him at DH, while having him backup 1st, 2nd, and possibly third.
Nathan Lukes is also an option, and an outfielder is a more traditional leadoff hitter than a DH. Like Wagner, Lukes hit .303 last season to go with a OBP of .371. With Anthony Santander now signed however, it remains to be seen how much playing Lukes will receives, even with Varsho out to start the season.
If neither Lukes nor Wagner start opening day, the Blue Jays could be back at square one with Springer. Most times however, these things have a way of sorting themselves out.
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