It’s early February, and we’ve officially entered the quiet stretch of the baseball offseason - that lull just before pitchers and catchers report, when anticipation builds and rosters begin to take shape. For the Blue Jays, spring training can’t come soon enough. There are roster battles to watch, depth charts to sort out, and a few players with a whole lot riding on the next six weeks in Florida.
But before we dive into the on-field implications, there’s a bit of news that hits the heart of Blue Jays history. The team announced plans to unveil a statue honoring the 1992 and 1993 World Series championship teams - with a special nod to Joe Carter, whose walk-off homer in '93 remains one of the most iconic moments in baseball history.
The statue will stand outside Rogers Centre, a fitting tribute to a golden era of Blue Jays baseball. Meanwhile, the existing statue of Ted Rogers is being relocated elsewhere within the Rogers corporate footprint.
The move signals a broader effort by the organization to reconnect with its past - and there's word that more celebrations of former players and historic moments could be on the way.
Now, back to the present - and the players who’ll be fighting for a roster spot in Dunedin.
Outfield Logjam: Who Stands Out?
The outfield picture behind the starters is crowded, and that’s putting it lightly. Davis Schneider, Nathan Lukes, Myles Straw, and Joey Loperfido are all in the mix for what’s likely just one or two available spots.
Each brings a different toolset to the table, but defense will likely play a major role in the final decision. Straw, in particular, is known for his glove, while Schneider brings some pop and versatility.
Lukes and Loperfido are solid all-around contributors, but they’ll need to show something extra to separate from the pack. A strong spring at the plate could tip the scales.
RJ Schreck: A Name to Watch
RJ Schreck isn’t expected to break camp with the big club, but don’t count him out. If he flashes in spring and carries that into Triple-A, he could leapfrog a couple of the outfielders mentioned above on the depth chart. Schreck’s bat has upside, and in a long season, opportunities tend to find players who stay ready.
Leo Jiménez: No Room for Error
One of the more intriguing roster decisions involves Leo Jiménez. He’s out of minor league options, which means he’d have to clear waivers to be sent down - and that’s a risky proposition.
Jiménez profiles as a utility infielder with solid defensive chops, but the Jays are already deep in that department. If he doesn’t make the roster, there’s a real chance another team scoops him up.
This spring could be make-or-break.
Rule 5 Dilemma: Spencer Miles and Angel Bastardo
Spencer Miles and Angel Bastardo are both Rule 5 picks, which means they need to stay on the active roster all season or be offered back to their original teams. Realistically, there’s only room for one - if that.
Both are intriguing arms, and if either shows enough to stick at the back end of the bullpen, the Jays might get a sneaky win here. But it’s a tough road, and spring will be their proving ground.
Catcher Depth: Brandon Valenzuela’s Opportunity
Behind the plate, Brandon Valenzuela slots in as the third catcher on the depth chart. That may not sound like much, but it’s a crucial role over a 162-game season.
Catchers get banged up, and when someone hits the IL, Valenzuela could be the first call. A solid showing in camp would go a long way toward cementing that status.
Around the League: Mariners Make a Move
Elsewhere in the league, the Seattle Mariners made a splash with a three-team trade that brought in All-Star utility man Brendan Donovan. Donovan hit .287/.353/.422 with 10 home runs last season and brings defensive versatility that should fit nicely into Seattle’s plans - though he’s expected to see most of his time at third base.
To make it happen, the Mariners sent Ben Williamson to the Rays, along with prospects Jurrangelo Cijntje and Tai Peete, plus a competitive balance draft pick to the Cardinals. The Rays, in turn, flipped prospect Colton Ledbetter and a competitive balance pick to St.
Louis. It’s a classic three-team shuffle, and one that gives the Mariners a proven bat and glove as they look to stay competitive in the AL West.
Angels Add Candelario
The Angels also made a move, signing veteran infielder Jeimer Candelario. He’s a solid addition who can handle both corner infield spots and adds some pop to a lineup that’s still trying to find its post-Ohtani identity.
Stadium Funding Controversy in Tampa Bay
On the business side of the sport, the Rays are back in the headlines - and not because of a blockbuster trade. The organization is seeking $1.15 billion in taxpayer funding for a new stadium.
It’s a familiar storyline in pro sports: teams raking in revenue while asking the public to foot the bill for their new digs. It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially for fans in cities where basic infrastructure needs are still waiting in line behind sports palaces.
And Tampa’s not alone - Calgary’s building a new arena for the Flames under similar circumstances.
As we inch closer to spring training, the storylines are starting to take shape. For the Blue Jays, this isn’t just about fine-tuning a roster - it’s about honoring the past while forging a path forward.
And for a handful of players on the bubble, every inning in March could be the difference between making the team and starting the season somewhere else. Buckle up - baseball’s almost back.