Toronto Blue Jays manager Ross Atkins explains decision to keep Davis Schneider over Leo Jimenez
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Deciding to part ways with Leo Jimenez wasn’t easy for Ross Atkins. In the end, the choice came down to a direct competition between Jimenez and Davis Schneider.
Finalizing a 26-man roster is always a complicated process, especially for a team like the Toronto Blue Jays, who reached the World Series the previous season.
That challenge was exactly what Atkins faced as he worked through the team’s Opening Day decisions, ultimately forcing moves such as cutting infielder Leo Jimenez and pitcher Angel Bastardo.
Among those decisions, Jimenez’s departure stood out as one of the most difficult.
Atkins explained that the call essentially came down to choosing between Jimenez and Davis Schneider, who has become a fan favourite.
"The decision to DFA Leo is a very difficult one because he's a very good player that provided another layer for us. Not just depth, he can make an impact on a major-league team. So that's a very difficult one for us," Atkins said on Thursday at the Blue Jays' media day availabilities before Opening Day.
"But Davis has proven that he belongs here and was integral to last year's success. Felt like he was too important to not have in an everyday lineup at this point, or just a part of every day's game, at this point."
Blue Jays prioritized additional versatility and depth in the outfield
Jimenez, originally signed by Toronto as a free agent in 2017, was designated for assignment when the club finalized its Opening Day roster on Wednesday.
Over parts of two MLB seasons, the Panamanian infielder posted a .207 batting average with a .635 OPS and hit five home runs across 81 games.
During spring training, the 25-year-old continued to show reliability on defence, but struggled at the plate, recording a .231 average and a .541 OPS in 14 games.
Schneider, on the other hand, has put together a .217 batting average with a .736 OPS and 32 home runs over three seasons with the Blue Jays, performance that Atkins believes shows he has "earned this right."
Another factor in the decision was the organization’s infield depth throughout the minor leagues.
With solid coverage already in place there, Atkins and the front office prioritized maintaining additional versatility and depth in the outfield, which Schneider provides.
The Blue Jays kick off their season on Friday with a showdown against the Athletics.
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MARS 26|194 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays manager Ross Atkins explains decision to keep Davis Schneider over Leo Jimenez Are you happy with Ross Atkins explanation of why the Toronto Blue Jays chose Davis Schneider over Leo Jimenez? | ||
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