In a baseball team, 26 players can be on the active roster. Of the lot, a club must have a maximum of 13 pitchers. And just about everyone will have 13 pitchers.
Result? When we look at the Toronto Blue Jays, for example, we understand that the alignment is quite cast in stone.
Yes, deals or injuries can be a game-changer, but right now 25 players have their place with the big club.
It’s a shame for a youngster like Otto Lopez, who will have little room for manoeuvre, but that’s the reality of a club that is aiming for top honors.
In pitching, as stated by my colleague Félix Forget, the Blue Jays already have five starters (Alek Manoah, Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, Chris Bassitt and Yusei Kikuchi) in the rotation.
And in the relievers, eight guys will have their place, whether it is deserved or not.
- Jordan Romano
- Erik Swanson
- Yimi Garcia
- Anthony Bass
- Tim Mayza
- Adam Cimber
- Mitch White
- Trevor Richards
If a pitcher is hoping for a spot, he’ll have to hope for an injury or he’ll have to hope a guy like Trevor Richards is on his way out.
But there again: if he leaves, it will surely benefit an established guy.
Among the established position players, there are already 12 guys out of a possible 13. There will be a place on paper for a youngster.
But the Jays can also sign another guy...
- Alejandro Kirk
- Danny Jansen
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- Brandon Belt
- Cavan Biggio
- Whit Merrifield
- Santiago Espinal
- Matt Chapman
- Bo Bichette
- Daulton Varsho
- Kevin Kiermaier
- george springer
I possibly expect a guy who can play in the outfield to be in play…or a guy who can play on the left side of the infield. The right side has enough depth.
Good luck to the young people, then.
