The Toronto Blue Jays have had an eventful offseason, making some major moves to strengthen their roster. From signing All-Star outfielder George Springer to trading for talented pitcher Steven Matz, the Jays have been making all the right moves in preparation for the upcoming season. But as the dust settles on these acquisitions, the team still has some important decisions to make regarding their infield.
With the departure of second baseman Cavan Biggio and shortstop Bo Bichette’s move to third base, the Jays have some gaps to fill in their infield. While the team does have some promising options, there are still some uncertainties about who will ultimately secure the starting positions.
One of the key decisions that the Jays need to make is who will take over at second base. With Biggio’s departure, the spot is currently up for grabs. The team has a few intriguing options, including veteran Joe Panik, who brings valuable experience and a strong defensive game, and 2020 breakout rookie Santiago Espinal, who impressed with his solid hitting and impressive fielding skills. The Jays also have Marcus Semien, who they signed to a one-year deal, but it remains to be seen if he will take on a full-time second base role or move around the infield as needed.
At shortstop, the Jays have a clear front runner in Bo Bichette, who has shown incredible potential since his debut in 2019. His defensive abilities and powerful bat make him a valuable asset to the team. However, there is still uncertainty about who will back him up in case of injury or rest days. Espinal could potentially fill this role as well, but the Jays may also choose to bring in a veteran player for added depth.
The biggest question mark for the Jays’ infield is at first base. With the departure of fan-favorite Justin Smoak and the injury-prone Rowdy Tellez, the team is left with limited options. Vlad Guerrero Jr. has been mentioned as a potential first baseman, with his power and strong arm making him a suitable candidate. However, he is still young and inexperienced at the position, so it remains to be seen if he can make a smooth transition. The Jays may also choose to bring in a veteran first baseman to provide some stability and mentorship for Guerrero.
There are also some concerns about the Jays’ depth in the infield. While they have some talented players in the mix, injuries and underperformance could leave the team vulnerable. As such, they may need to consider bringing in more players or making some roster moves throughout the season to ensure they have enough depth to compete at a high level.
Despite these uncertainties, there is no doubt that the Jays’ infield has a lot of potential. Bo Bichette and Vlad Guerrero Jr. are both young and extremely talented players, and with the right guidance and support, they could become stars for years to come. In addition, the team has some solid role players like Joe Panik and Santiago Espinal who can provide depth and stability.
The Blue Jays have shown that they are not afraid to take risks and make bold moves, as evidenced by their recent acquisition of George Springer. So it is likely that they will continue to be proactive in shaping their infield for success. Whether it’s through signings, trades, or promoting from within, the team will do whatever it takes to ensure they have a strong and competitive infield.
In conclusion, while the Toronto Blue Jays may still have some important decisions to make on their infield, there is no denying that they have a lot of potential and talent on their roster. With the right moves and decisions, they could have one of the most formidable infields in the league. Fans can be excited for what is to come and can trust that the team will do whatever it takes to bring home a championship. Let’s go, Blue Jays!
