As spring training gets underway, the Toronto Blue Jays are still doing their due diligence, scanning the market for overlooked talent that might give them an edge. One of their latest moves? A low-risk, potentially high-reward signing that adds depth and intrigue to their spring roster.
The Jays have reportedly agreed to a minor-league deal with 27-year-old Juan Yepez, a corner outfielder and first baseman with three partial MLB seasons under his belt. The deal includes a non-roster invite to spring training, giving Yepez a shot to prove he belongs in the big-league mix.
Yepez, who spent last season in the Nationals organization, brings a power profile that’s shown flashes at the highest level. He appeared in 62 major league games in 2024, and while his Triple-A numbers last season were underwhelming - a .605 OPS across 62 games - he did show some pop in a brief High-A stint, launching four homers in just 13 games. He also turned heads this offseason with a solid showing in the Venezuelan Winter League, reminding scouts that his bat still has life.
Across 166 career MLB games, Yepez has slugged 20 home runs and posted a .423 slugging percentage. Standing at 6 feet and 235 pounds, he’s built like a classic power hitter, and his exit velocities have consistently ranked above league average. That raw power is real - it’s just a matter of whether it can be unlocked consistently.
And that’s where the Blue Jays might see an opportunity.
Toronto has quietly developed a knack for breathing new life into veteran bats. Just last season, hitters like George Springer, Alejandro Kirk, and Tyler Heineman all found another gear under the guidance of hitting coach David Popkins. Popkins has earned plenty of praise for his analytical approach and ability to tailor adjustments to each hitter’s strengths - and Yepez could be the next name on that list.
The timing of Yepez’s signing is also worth noting. It came just as outfielder/designated hitter Anthony Santander was placed on the 60-day injured list, potentially opening the door for someone like Yepez to compete for at-bats. While he’s not a lock to make the roster out of camp, he’ll have a real opportunity to show what he can do - especially if his power starts translating early in Grapefruit League play.
For the Blue Jays, this is the kind of move that requires minimal investment but could pay dividends if things click. For Yepez, it’s a fresh start in an organization that’s shown it can help hitters rediscover their swing. And for fans watching closely, it’s one more storyline to track as camp unfolds - a reminder that sometimes, spring training is where the most unexpected contributors start to emerge.