What does the Blue Jays outfield look like opening day?
With Spring Training just two weeks away, the Blue Jays still don't know who will start in centre field on Opening Day.
Typically, the answer would be
Daulton Varsho, but he's expected to miss at least the first few weeks of the season as he recovers from offseason surgery.
So, as we head into 2025, who will step up?
Meanwhile,
Anthony Santander is likely to take the majority of the starts in left field, though he could also see time in right, at first base, and potentially DH.
Nathan Lukes finished strong in 2024 and, though he still has an option left, he's proven he has nothing left to prove in the minors.
Lukes deserves a full-time shot in the big leagues.
Joey Loperfido is another candidate, but he'll need to show more consistency with the bat to secure a roster spot.
A former Gold Glove winner, Straw would be a more-than-capable fill-in for
Varsho. When
Varsho returns,
Strawcould shift to left field if
Santander or
Springer need a DH day off.
However,
Straw's contract complicates matters. He's not on the active roster and is out of options, meaning the
Blue Jays would have to keep him on the roster or risk DFA'ing him.
This creates a tricky situation for the team to navigate.
Addison Barger, while not a natural centre fielder, could also be in the mix for a roster spot.
He's proven himself as a capable corner outfielder, and his ability to play third base could give him an inside track.
While it's unlikely he breaks camp with the team, the highly regarded prospect could get the call by mid-season if he continues to develop.
One potential wildcard is moving
George Springer to centre field to open up more playing time for
Barger or another option.
With so many possibilities, the
Blue Jays have a lot of flexibility.
The outfield is a position the team could look to deal from if they want to upgrade elsewhere.
Ultimately, much of this will be sorted out in Spring Training, but I believe
Lukes has the edge to start the season in centre.
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Previously on Blue Jays Central
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FEVRIER 3 | 89 ANSWERS What does the Blue Jays outfield look like opening day? Who plays centre field for the Blue Jays an opening day? |
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