Toronto Blue Jays 2018 Outfield Depth Chart

What are the Blue Jays going to do with this many outfielders? This thought has stayed on the minds of many Jays fans over the past few weeks. With the additions of Randal Grichuk and Curtis Granderson, the Blue Jays have five outfielders that have significant major league service time—not to mention the depth in upper-level minors.

The following article will at least try to explain how this surplus of outfielders might be used in the Jays outfield in the impending 2018 season. As a disclaimer, the outfield candidates being ranked will be limited to Kevin Pillar, Randal Grichuk, Curtis Granderson, Steve Pearce, Ezequiel Carrera, and Teoscar Hernandez, as I see these as the only ones to have a legitimate shot for an outfield position coming out of spring training.  Anthony Alford, Dwight Smith, and Dalton Pompey all have strong cases to make the team later, though.

Outfield Ranking:

All of these players project to have a mediocre to slightly above average season. Although we all can dream, the Jays did not acquire big-name outfield threats such as Lorenzo Cain, Giancarlo Stanton, or Christain Yelich. It is also a safe assumption that J.D. Martinez is off the board, as well.

Without further ado, the 2018 Toronto Blue Jays outfield depth chart:

1. Randal Grichuk
2. Kevin Pillar
3. Curtis Granderson
4. Steve Pearce
5. Teoscar Hernandez
6. Ezequiel Carrera

Curtis Granderson:

Entering his age 37 season, Curtis Granderson will not be the same offensive threat that he used to be. However, in a platoon role, Granderson may receive the rest that he needs to maintain his offensive ability. Currently projected at a .239/.340/.450 and an offensive runs above average of 4.5, Granderson will be more than serviceable in left field. His down year last year likely can be attributed to a tough year for the Mets, being asked to play too often, and being traded across the country mid-way through the season.

Granderson’s defensive numbers are worrisome. Advertised as a defensive upgrade from the likes of Steve Pearce and Ezequiel Carrera, the numbers show just how low of a bar that is. Holding a good .991 fielding percentage across all outfield positions, the concern in Granderson’s defensive game comes from Rdrs. Granderson was a -4 Rdrs last year. For reference, that is only 1 Rdrs better than the supposed defensive liability J.D. Martinez.

Steve Pearce:

The other half of the left-field platoon, Steve Pearce may benefit from a season of better health. However, there are no guarantees this will hold up. Pearce didn’t hurt the team offensively last year but he didn’t add very much. In 2018 he is projected to have a .787 OPS with 14 home runs and 45 RBIs. These numbers do not inspire much confidence. However, left field is upgraded as a platoon. Therefore, a platoon of Pearce/Granderson already looks better than a Pearce/Carrera platoon.

If Curtis Granderson was defensively worrisome, Steve Pearce is a defensive nightmare. Truly an infielder by trade and an outfielder by necessity, Pearce is a liability on the defensive side of the game. For Toronto last year, Pearce had assists and errors equal at two and held a .985 fielding percentage. However, as anybody who has seen Pearce play left field could tell you, these stats are misleading. The speed is simply not there to play an effective defensive left field. This fact is evident in the -6 Rdrs that Pearce was worth in just 85 games in the outfield last year.

Teoscar Hernandez:

Hernandez, by virtue of having minor league option years available, will likely begin 2018 in AAA Buffalo. This minor league assignment will provide a more accurate picture of who Hernandez will be for the Blue Jays in the future. During his September call-up, Hernandez quickly won the hearts of Blue Jays fans with his strong offensive play. However, a month is not a true test of a young ballplayer and his time in the minors will show how successful he may be in the future. Last year, in his collective minor league stats, Hernandez held a .265/.351/.490 slash with 18 HR and 66 RBIs. While not amazing, an .841 OPS is nothing to scoff at.

Defensively, there is also room to improve. Across two teams last year, Hernandez converted putouts on 125/135 defensive chances. However, with plus speed and arm strength—fangraphs scouts him as a 50-55 in both categories on an 80—Hernandez has the raw ability to be a plus defender in the majors. Perhaps a year with one coaching staff and no trade rumours will allow Hernandez the focus he needs to develop a complete game.

Ezequiel Carrera:

The only upside that Carrera has in his game is his offense. With a quick, slashing stroke, Carrera can get on base and spray the ball across the park. Holding a respectable .282/.356/.408 slash line and weak power numbers, Carrera can’t be expected to produce much more than singles when he comes to the plate.

Defensively, Carrera is essentially the anti-Pillar. Although he does have good speed, it is clear that he does not have a good feel for the position. Last year there were many times that Carrera seemed lost in left field. The numbers only prove this perception of his defensive skill. Across all three outfield positions, Carrera has a collective .973 fielding percentage, four errors, five assists, and was worth -14 Rdrs. Despite these lacking numbers, the Blue Jays will likely carry him on the roster out of spring training.

Next: Blue Jays: Health is the elixir for successful 2018 campaign