Blue Jays: there is an imbalance in the defensive structure

When you look at how the Blue Jays have built their defensive lineup, you realize that their resources are mainly on the outfield side.

Yes, it would have been even more obvious with Kyle Tucker… but a trade would certainly have taken place. And right now, without saying it's mandatory, we still realize that there is a certain imbalance in the way the club is built.

In the outfield, we know that Daulton Varsho will be there on a regular basis. He is undoubtedly the guy who, if he stays healthy, will have the most innings in the Blue Jays' outfield in 2026.

George Springer (who will mainly be the DH) will play some innings in the field. Addison Barger will be the regular in right field—although he will also play some third base—and Anthony Santander will get his chance in left field.

Add to that Davis Schneider (who can also play second base here and there), Nathan Lukes, Myles Straw, and Joey Loperfido. The latter may not start the season in Toronto.

And that's not counting the young players like RJ Schreck who are pushing up.

Answering your questions in the latest #BlueJays mailbag: https://t.co/x1QH9hRK7T

— Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) January 12, 2026

Of course, injuries and trades can happen. But clearly, we can see that many guys will have to fight fiercely for their playing time at camp.

It's going to be intense, I think. Why? Because there are a lot of people in the mix.

As Spring Training nears, a look at which #BlueJays have the most at stake in Dunedin: https://t.co/cKQzkEnzsp

— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) January 31, 2026

In the infield, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be the big certainty, playing first base and as DH. Andres Gimenez will be at shortstop, Ernie Clement will go to second base, and Kazuma Okamoto will surely be the regular at third base.

Yes, Davis Schneider and Addison Barger are also there to fill in at infield positions, and yes, depth players like Leo Jimenez are on the roster. But clearly, the imbalance is glaring.

Will Ross Atkins trade an outfielder for a depth player who can play the middle infield in the coming weeks? It could happen, yes.

If so, will Joey Loperfido be involved in a trade?

This content was created with the help of AI.