2 smart decisions and 2 clear failures on 2025 Blue Jays Opening Day roster

Smart decision: Letting the kids get their shot

The Jays spring training roster with filled with proven MLB players fighting for jobs However, when all was said and done, two promising rookies managed to secure roles on their Opening Day roster in outfielder Alan Roden and Will Wagner. 

Roden had a fantastic spring, posting a stellar .407 average along with two doubles, two home runs and six RBI. He even demonstrated great discipline at the plate with six walks and just four strikeouts in 37 plate appearances. Despite going against more experienced players, he earned a broke camp with the team and started in the first two games of the season for Toronto. He hasn’t disappointed when he's got on the field either, as he recorded his first MLB walk, hit and RBI and made a spectacular catch.

Wagner had a dazzling debut in 2024 after coming over in the Yusei Kikuchi trade with the Houston Astros and followed that up with a strong spring that helped the 26-year-old infielder earn a spot on Toronto's Opening Day roster.

Wagner as a part of Toronto's starting lineup in both of Toronto's first two games of the season and he responded by going 3-for-6 with one double and one run scored.

Going with two rookies to start in Jays’ redemption year seemed like a bold move, but it's paid off so far, as it rewards both players from their strong play and gives the Jays the opportunity to assess the their MLB future. With the uncertainty of Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. future looming over the franchise, it's crucial organization to figure out if they have some significant internal pieces that could help the team in the future.