Blue Jays: A Look at Potential September Reinforcements

Outfielders

Anthony Alford – On 40-man roster (Double-A, A-Adv – .301/.396/.418, 15 SB)

Likelihood of Call Up : High to Moderate

Potential for Success : High to Moderate

Summary : While Bichette and Guerrero Jr. have stolen most of the headlines this season, the five-tool talent in the Jays’ system is Anthony Alford. Alford actually made his MLB debut earlier this season but unfortunately, an injury briefly delayed his ascent. The obvious heir to Jose Bautista, Alford is truly an exceptional talent that Jays fans will likely come to love in the coming years. A September call up should be fairly likely though Alford’s playing time is less of a guarantee.

Teoscar Hernandez – On 40-man roster (Triple-A – .265/.352/.477, 15 HR, 15 SB)

Likelihood of Call Up : High to Moderate

Potential for Success : Moderate

Summary : There are many conflicting evaluations on Teoscar Hernandez. Some people believe he will develop into a solid, everyday outfielder while others suggest that he is more of a 4th outfielder type. Regardless, Hernandez is a young talent with potential and could provide competition to Anthony Alford in the battle for right field next season. In terms of 2017, a September call up likely wouldn’t result in many at bats for Hernandez but rather coming in late in games as a pinch runner or defensive replacement.

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Dwight Smith Jr. – On 40-man roster (Triple-A – .273/.346/.399)

Likelihood of Call Up : High to Moderate

Potential for Success : Moderate to Low

Summary : In a brief cup of coffee with the Blue Jays this season, Smith impressed many with a .858 OPS. However, with the likes of Kevin Pillar, Anthony Alford, and Teoscar Hernandez in the organization, Smith’s future is unclear and he would likely have to beat out Alford or Hernandez in Spring Training if he doesn’t want to be a Quadruple-A player or 4th outfielder next season.

Roemon Fields – Not on 40-man roster (Triple-A, Double-A – .286/.349/.352, 45 SB)

Likelihood of Call Up : Moderate

Potential for Success : Moderate

Summary : Too many times this season, the Blue Jays were criticized for lacking the element of speed. Roemon Fields solves that problem. A contact hitter, Fields currently owns an impressive .295 avg in Triple-A to go along with a .362 OBP. While there is little guarantee his success translates into the MLB, Fields is exactly the type of player the Blue Jays need in the future: a left-handed, high OBP speedster at the top of the lineup.

Michael Saunders – Not on 40-man roster (MLB – .205/.257/.360)

Likelihood of Call Up : Moderate

Potential for Success : Moderate to Low

Summary : After spending an enigmatic season with the Blue Jays last season, Saunders signed with the Phillies this year in hopes of repeating his success (in the first half). However, things didn’t go according to plan and the Jays’ signed Saunders to a MiLB deal after he was released by the Phillies. Saunders doesn’t really stand out from the rest of the outfielders, but he is hot right now at the plate (.341 avg in last 10 games) and it doesn’t hurt to have a left-handed hitting bench option for late game situations.

Next: A game of milestones in Tampa Bay