Blue Jays Spring Training Roster Outlook: Who’s In, Who’s Battling, and What to Watch
DUNEDIN, Fla. - We’re past the early noise of Toronto Blue Jays spring training - the surprise injuries are out, the depth chart got a tweak via trade, and now it’s about seeing how the pieces fit. With the first full-squad workout just around the corner, the roster picture is starting to take shape, even if a few key battles remain.
Toronto’s lineup and starting rotation look close to locked in. But the bench and bullpen?
That’s where things get interesting. Let’s break down the current roster projection and what to keep an eye on as camp unfolds.
Catchers (2): Alejandro Kirk, Tyler Heineman
Next up: Brandon Valenzuela, C.J. Stubbs
The Jays are sticking with what worked behind the plate. Last year, Toronto’s catching duo ranked second in the majors in FanGraphs WAR, trailing only Seattle - and that was thanks in large part to Cal Raleigh’s near-MVP campaign. Kirk and Heineman return as the trusted tandem, with Kirk expected to carry the bulk of the load.
If injury strikes, 25-year-old Brandon Valenzuela is the name to know. The switch-hitting prospect brings a cannon of an arm and projects as a defense-first backup. He hasn’t made his MLB debut yet, but he’s knocking on the door.
Infielders (4): Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Ernie Clement, Andrés Giménez, Kazuma Okamoto
Next up: Leo Jiménez, Rafael Lantigua, Josh Kasevich, Carlos Mendoza, Charles McAdoo
It’s a lean group of true infielders, but the versatility of players like Davis Schneider and Addison Barger - both of whom can shift to the dirt - gives Toronto some flexibility. The spotlight, though, is squarely on Kazuma Okamoto.
The Japanese star is penciled in at third base, and while some scouts questioned whether he’d stick there defensively, the Jays believe he’s better than advertised. If he adjusts quickly to major league pitching, he could be a 140-game anchor at the hot corner.
One of the tougher decisions looms with Leo Jiménez. He’s out of minor-league options, which means Toronto either carries him on the Opening Day roster or risks losing him on waivers.
Jiménez hasn’t shown much with the bat in brief big-league stints, but the Jays are giving him every chance to prove himself this spring. He’s already been spotted working across the infield with coach Carlos Febles - third, short, second - getting reps wherever he might be needed.
But to keep him, someone else - likely an outfielder - may have to be moved.
Outfielders (7): George Springer, Addison Barger, Daulton Varsho, Jesús Sánchez, Nathan Lukes, Davis Schneider, Myles Straw
Next up: Jonatan Clase, RJ Schreck, Eloy Jiménez, Yohendrick Pinango
Even with Anthony Santander sidelined after shoulder surgery, this outfield group is crowded - maybe too crowded. The addition of Jesús Sánchez added another layer to a mix that was already full of multi-position players.
Springer, more DH than outfielder at this point, and the infield-capable Barger and Schneider help balance the numbers a bit. Still, seven outfielders is a stretch for any team, and Toronto’s going to have to make a call.
Lukes and Schneider both played meaningful roles in 2025, including in the postseason, and neither deserves a demotion. But if the Jays want to protect their infield depth - say, to keep Jiménez - one of them might open the season in Triple-A Buffalo. It’s the kind of tough, depth-driven decision that contending teams have to make.
Starting Pitchers (5): Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Chris Bassitt, Alek Manoah, Ricky Tiedemann
Next up: Shane Bieber (injured), Eric Lauer (in bullpen), Lazaro Estrada, Adam Macko, Michael Plassmeyer, Gage Stanifer, Chad Dallas
With Shane Bieber expected to start the season on the IL, Toronto’s rotation depth is already getting tested. The starting five looks set - and strong - but beyond that, things get thin quickly.
Eric Lauer is the next man up. He’s being stretched out as a starter in camp but will likely begin the year in the bullpen unless someone falters.
As for Yariel Rodríguez, he’s shifting gears this spring. After making 22 starts for Toronto over the past two seasons, he’s now being looked at as a two-inning reliever, trying to work his way back onto the 40-man roster after clearing waivers in the offseason.
The Jays could look to add another arm before Opening Day, or maybe someone like Max Scherzer becomes a midseason option if injuries pile up. For now, watch Gage Stanifer. The Double-A prospect has the kind of stuff that could fast-track him to the bigs if he impresses this spring and starts hot in the minors.
Relievers (8): Jordan Romano, Chad Green, Génesis Cabrera, Trevor Richards, Erik Swanson, Nate Pearson, Tommy Nance, Braydon Fisher
Next up: Yimi García (rehabbing), Mason Fluharty, Yariel Rodríguez, Chase Lee, Angel Bastardo, Ricky Tiedemann, Jorge Alcala, Ryan Jennings
The bullpen is where things get unpredictable. The group that breaks camp will almost certainly look different by midseason - that’s just the nature of modern bullpens. But right now, Toronto’s focus is on preserving depth.
They’ve got a dozen relievers with big-league innings under their belts, but not everyone can make the Opening Day cut. Tommy Nance is out of options, so he’ll get every chance to earn a spot. And then there are the Rule 5 picks - Spencer Miles and Angel Bastardo - who either make the roster or go back to their previous teams.
Miles is generating early buzz. He’s touching 98 mph, looked sharp in the Arizona Fall League, and has the kind of upside that makes scouts take notice. But he’s never stayed healthy for a full season, and that makes him a bit of a wild card.
If Miles does make the team, it’ll likely come at the expense of someone with options - like Mason Fluharty or Braydon Fisher - or because Yimi García isn’t ready. García is still working his way back from elbow surgery and hasn’t thrown a bullpen yet this spring. The Jays won’t rush him, especially with so many arms in the mix.
The Bottom Line
Toronto’s core is intact, and the top of the roster is built to compete. But the margins - the last bullpen spots, the final bench pieces, the sixth starter - will be shaped over the next few weeks.
These aren’t just filler roles, either. As the Jays know all too well, depth wins games in September and October.
Spring training isn’t about flashy headlines this year. It’s about sorting through the depth, making the tough calls, and setting the tone for a season with real postseason aspirations.
Toronto’s roster is close to set - but not quite. And that’s exactly what makes the next month so compelling.