The Toronto Blue Jays find themselves in a position most teams would envy - a logjam of outfield talent at the big league level and a wave of prospects knocking on the door. The challenge now? Turning that surplus into something that helps balance the roster, especially with other clubs, like the San Francisco Giants, actively looking for outfield help.
Blue Jays' Outfield Depth: A Good Problem to Have
Right now, Toronto’s outfield picture is crowded. Daulton Varsho, George Springer, Anthony Santander, Nathan Lukes, Davis Schneider, and Myles Straw are all in the mix for big-league outfield reps. And while Addison Barger is more of a utility option, he’s certainly capable of filling a corner spot if needed.
Behind them, the pipeline keeps flowing. Joey Loperfido and Jonatan Clase both saw time in the majors in 2025 and could be ready for more.
Then there’s Yohendrick Pinango, RJ Schreck, and Jace Bohrofen - all names to watch in Spring Training. If any of them impress, the Blue Jays may be forced to make a move just to clear space.
That’s where the San Francisco Giants come in.
Giants Have a Need, Blue Jays Have the Depth
San Francisco is in the market for outfield help, and the Blue Jays look like a natural trade partner. According to projections, the Giants are expected to rank near the bottom of the league in right field production - fifth-lowest in fWAR, to be exact. That’s not ideal for a team with playoff hopes.
Currently, Drew Gilbert is penciled in as the everyday right fielder, projected to post just a 0.5 fWAR. Luis Matos is close behind at 0.6 fWAR, but with fewer at-bats.
For comparison, the Blue Jays project Santander at 0.7 fWAR in right, with Springer at 1.0 and Barger at 0.4. It’s not a superstar trio, but it’s steady - and more importantly, it’s deep.
MLB.com’s Mike Petriello recently floated the idea that the Giants could be open to trading first base prospect Bryce Eldridge if the right deal comes along. While Kyle Tucker might be the dream target for San Francisco, the reality is that a trade - not a splashy free-agent signing - may be the more likely route. That’s where a player like Santander could come into play.
Would the Blue Jays Move Santander?
Santander’s name has come up in trade speculation before, and while his contract might make him a logical candidate to move, the Blue Jays aren’t exactly eager to part with him. Manager John Schneider spoke at the Winter Meetings and made it clear the team is excited to see what a fully healthy Santander can bring in 2026. That doesn’t sound like a team shopping one of its veteran bats.
Still, if the right offer comes along - one that sheds Santander’s salary and brings back a controllable asset - it’s not out of the question. A one-for-one swap involving a player like Rafael Devers may sound intriguing on paper, but it’s speculative at best. More realistically, the Jays might look to move a player from the next tier down.
Who Could Be on the Move?
Nathan Lukes could be a name to watch. He’s coming off a strong 2025 campaign, one that saw him finally break through after a decade in the minors.
His 65 RBIs and timely postseason heroics - including a clutch two-run single in Game Four and a highlight-reel catch in Game One - earned him plenty of clubhouse respect. But with a projected 1.6 fWAR and limited upside compared to some of the younger prospects, he might be the kind of player Toronto is willing to move.
Joey Loperfido and Jonatan Clase, both projected for 0.0 fWAR, are also in that expendable category. They’ve had a taste of the majors, but may not have a clear path to consistent playing time in Toronto.
In return, the Blue Jays could look to shore up their infield depth. Players like Christian Koss, Tyler Fitzgerald, or Casey Schmitt - all of whom played at least 74 games for the Giants last season - could be targets. None of them are Bo Bichette replacements, but they’d provide insurance in case Bichette’s future in Toronto takes an unexpected turn.
Timing Is Everything
The Blue Jays don’t have to rush. They’re not in a position where they need to make a move. But if the Giants come calling with the right offer - especially before they look elsewhere to fill their outfield void - Toronto might be inclined to act.
And with the Jays still reportedly keeping tabs on Kyle Tucker, it’s clear that their outfield situation could get even more crowded. If that happens, a move from surplus to solution becomes not just likely - but necessary.
For now, the Blue Jays hold the cards. But in baseball, depth is only an asset if you use it wisely.