Making sense of the Blue Jays infield options in 2025
With names like Juan Soto, Anthony Santander and Teoscar Hernandez being bandied about in the free agency market this off-season, it would seem like the Jays may be looking at standing pat in the infield next season.
That doesn't mean that there aren't a few impactful and intriguing options who could seriously help this lineup as Pete Alonso, Alex Bregman and Willy Adames are also all potentially looking for new homes.
But, as we look at the situation today, the infield is seemingly one of the stronger facets of this team and perhaps doesn't need as much help as the outfield, rotation or bullpen in order to field a competitive roster going forward.
Let's start with the obvious, Toronto will be looking for a significant bounce back season from shortstop Bo Bichette if they have any intentions on bettering their last place performance in the AL East. As Bo will possibly be entering his walk year, you would have to anticipate that he will return from an injury filled 2024 re-invigorated and ready to prove wrong any doubters he may have with another all-star worthy season. He is a fierce competitor who will assuredly put up the traditionally strong numbers we as fans have become accustomed to expecting.
Speaking of fierce competitors, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will also be to primed to enter what could be his final season at Rogers Centre. After rebounding from what could be considered down years, the all-star and former gold glove winner will certainly see the burden of the offense firmly centered around first base.
Which leads us to examine the options to fill out the remaining positions at 2B and 3B. In the mix are 2024 gold glove finalist Ernie Clement, former top prospect Orelvis Martinez, rookie standout Spencer Horowitz, deadline acquisition Will Wagner, Addison Barger, Davis Schneider and Leo Jimenez. The list is pretty deep, and you would have to imagine that whoever ends up on the outside looking in, may indeed become trade fodder to help improve depth elsewhere in the lineup.
The incumbents, Horowitz and Clement assumably have the inside track at this stage, but it would seem that Wagner is knocking on the door after an impressive debut late last season before being forced onto the IL. Having put up a .305 batting average which included a franchise best 5-hit game at the end of August, while also being reliable defensively and the ability to cover multiple positions, the son of former Astros Closer Billy Wagner carries with him great promise of things to come at the keystone position.
Orelvis Martinez is a wild-card here and a hot spring could see him slot into a pivotal role in this infield for years to come. Blessed with elite power, Martinez's stock took a tumble after testing positive for a performance enhancement leading to an 80-game suspension just days after his call-up to the big club. The Jays remain optimistic for his future, but a change of scenery may be the best course of action as he does carry with him some value on the trade market.
Leo Jimenez filled in for Bichette admirably and proved that he defensively could do the job. Although there was not a lot of pop in his bat, he still managed to hold his own against major league hurlers but profiles out as more of a utility infielder type as opposed to front-line starter.
Barger and Schneider fill out this list as being a couple of players that enhanced their value by being able to provide some depth in the infield as well as in the outfield. That should help them as the look to maintain their spots on the big-league roster. At the same time they may end up being shipped out to help the franchise fill more pressing gaps, depending on what the Jays can do in free agency this offseason.
