With the likelihood of Justin Smoak soon being dealt, is Rowdy Tellez the first baseman of the future for the Blue Jays moving forward?
Toronto Blue Jays rookie Rowdy Tellez may end up with a lot more playing time in the coming weeks as the brain trust look to move out veterans in search of younger talent before the trade deadline.
However, has Tellez showed enough to be cast as the first basemen of the future? Internally the Blue Jays do not have many options on the farm other than Ryan Noda who is ranked as the 20th best prospect organizationally.
Could Tellez be a placeholder until Vladimir Guerrero Jr. finally makes the inevitable switch on the corners? The hot corner is a little more stocked with the likes of Jordan Groshans, Kevin Smith, and Miguel Hiraldo all having the ability to play third base.
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Cavan Biggio can also play first base but it appears there will be a clear path for him at second base once the roster is trimmed at the deadline. The position switch of Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and constant injury woes surrounding Devon Travis have Biggio pretty much the acclaimed winner by default at second.
Tellez is hitting .228/.281/.440 with 14 homers in 76 games this season but the lefty features reverse splits hitting .268 versus southpaws and only .209 versus right-handers although 10 of his homers have come against righties. Tellez may be better suited in a platoon type role with a righty masher.
The Jays are rumoured to be targeting pitching prospects at the deadline but perhaps they will also try and land a first baseman to compliment Tellez who could move to the designated hitter spot if need be as well.
Tellez has had a decent rookie campaign and will likely hit in the neighborhood of 25 homers before the season concludes, however, is he the first baseman of the future?