Right now, the Blue Jays have 12 position players who fit in with the roster. We agree that with 13 pitchers, there will logically also be 13 position players within the roster of 26 players in Toronto.
Here are the players in question:
- Alejandro Kirk
- Danny Jansen
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- Brandon Belt
- Cavan Biggio
- Santiago Espinal
- Whit Merrifield
- Bo Bichette
- Matt Chapman
- Daulton Varsho
- Kevin Kiermaier
- george springer
There is therefore room for a 13th guy and when we look at the picture of the situation, we realize that the club does not have a surplus of outfielders.
Yes, guys like Biggio and Merrifield can go outfield, but they’re not natural outfielders.
And you know like me that Springer and Kiermaier will not play 162 games on defense.
That’s why the idea of making room for one more outfielder (whether through an addition or through a club prospect) is gaining ground in camp.
But there is also a world where the last position would be filled by a prospect who can play in the infield and who can help out in the outfield: Otto Lopez.
And in fact, with his big end to the season and his preparation for the 2023 season, the Quebecer is in a good position to obtain a position in the eyes of manager John Schneider.
Going to play in the World Classic will give him gas, but in my opinion, being able to play on the left side of the infield puts him in an advantageous position.
I understand that he is a second baseman at the base, but he can help out in the field and he can play at shortstop. And besides Bichette and Espinal, Toronto doesn’t have 153 options at position #6.
Having a guy like Lopez is a big plus.
And if he doesn’t make the club and starts in Buffalo, a recall is always possible since there will be injuries along the way.
