Recently, I noticed that of the 26 positions available in Toronto, 25 of them were cast in stone for the next season.
There is therefore one position left (for a position player) and this means that some players will fight to obtain it.
Of the lot? Otto Lopez.
As he can play at shortstop (besides Bo Bichette and Santiago Espinal, the depth is slim) and he can help out in the field, he would be a logical choice. It is not to be ruled out, on the contrary.
But we must not forget the name of Nathan Lukes.
In fact, when we read between the lines at the moment, we realize that the player is leaving with a head start.
For what? Because he is an outfielder (which the club needs), but also because he is able to bring his experience.
Ah… and he hits from the left.
Lukes is an outfielder who can play very well in all three defensive positions. He is therefore a major asset for a manager who only has three regular outfielders.
And of course, George Springer and Kevin Kiermaier will most likely get injured at some point along the way. That’s to be expected, anyway.
Although he has never played in the Majors, he was added to the club’s roster of 40 players and he is full of experience in the minors. In the AAA since 2019, he played 287 games in Durham (Rays) and Buffalo, where he played throughout the 2022 season.
He also maintained an average of .285 last year.
He would fill a direct need in Toronto and his excellent defensive play is part of the (new) mentality of the Toronto club.
He is therefore one to watch as he will try to break through the formation at training camp.
