The Blue Jays are heading into another offseason with work to do, and one of the clearest questions sits right in the middle of the infield. After a disappointing year following their World Series appearance, Toronto is looking for ways to steady the roster and add some punch.
One name that keeps surfacing is Jazz Chisholm Jr. CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa sees a path for Toronto if Ernie Clement is shifted into more of a utility role instead of being locked into one spot every day.
“Ernie Clement crashed hard in the second half and has always fit better as a super utility guy who moves around rather than someone who plays one set position every day. The Blue Jays desperately need a power infusion, particularly from the left side of the plate, and Chisholm's defense and baserunning will fit in nicely as well.
I wonder if any teams would show interest in Chisholm at third base or center field, two positions he's played in the past. Second base in Toronto is my best guess for now,” Axisa wrote.
That idea fits with the broader picture around Toronto’s infield. SI’s Zion Trammell noted that the group mostly stays intact, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. expected to rebound, Clement and Andres Gimenez handling the middle, and Okamoto at the hot corner. From there, the Blue Jays could still look for a cheaper infielder to round things out.
“The infield largely remains the same. Toronto hopes for a bounce-back season from Guerrero Jr., while Clement and Gimenez are up the middle, and Okamoto stays at the hot corner. The Blue Jays could add another low-cost infielder this offseason," Trammell wrote.
Chisholm’s situation in New York also leaves the door open. He has reportedly wanted to return to the Bronx, but SNY’s Phillip Martinez wrote that a Yankees reunion may not happen as the club looks ahead to 2027.
“As the Yankees look to retool their roster for the 2027 season, there's a massive hole they will need to fill. Second base, manned by Jazz Chisholm Jr. for the last two seasons, will explore free agency and it's likely he will not return to the Bronx," Martinez wrote.
If Toronto does make the move, it would be bringing in a player from a division rival who offers help in multiple areas. Chisholm also may have extra motivation after limited postseason playing time, especially with the Yankees on the other side.
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