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Blue Jays: Where Does Cavan Biggio Play in 2021?

By David Corcoran

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - AUGUST 23: Cavan Biggio #8 of the Toronto Blue Jays throws to first base against the Tampa Bay Rays in the third inning of a baseball game at Tropicana Field on August 23, 2020 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - AUGUST 23: Cavan Biggio #8 of the Toronto Blue Jays throws to first base against the Tampa Bay Rays in the third inning of a baseball game at Tropicana Field on August 23, 2020 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) /
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BUFFALO, NY – SEPTEMBER 22: DJ LeMahieu #26 of the New York Yankees slides safely into third base as Cavan Biggio #8 of the Toronto Blue Jays misses the tag during the fifth inning at Sahlen Field on September 22, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. The Blue Jays are the home team due to the Canadian government’s policy on COVID-19, which prevents them from playing in their home stadium in Canada. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY – SEPTEMBER 22: DJ LeMahieu #26 of the New York Yankees slides safely into third base as Cavan Biggio #8 of the Toronto Blue Jays misses the tag during the fifth inning at Sahlen Field on September 22, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. The Blue Jays are the home team due to the Canadian government’s policy on COVID-19, which prevents them from playing in their home stadium in Canada. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

Corner Infield Positions

First Base

In 2020, the first base position was split between Vladimir Guerrero Jr and Rowdy Tellez with the odd game for Travis Shaw.  The Blue Jays have moved on from Shaw, so he is out of the picture; Guerrero Jr has told everyone that his intentions is to move back to third base full time, which leaves Tellez as the penciled in position at first base.

I think it is about time that Tellez gets the opportunity to be the everyday first basemen, however I am not sure the confidence management has in him on defence.  Tellez finished last season fifth on the team in home runs, yet only had almost half the amount of the plate appearances as everyone else.  Tellez also had just 18 starts at that position, yet made no errors in 136 chances, which makes it a little puzzling why he has not go more of an opportunity.  I’m not quite sure what else he needs to do to get an opportunity to play every day; his walks increased by double (7% up to 15.7%) and his strike outs were drastically cut (28.3% down to 15.7%).  So how does Biggio find himself going to first base?

If Guerrero Jr can prove he is back to being a third basemen and management doesn’t have faith in Tellez or he fails in his opportunity, Biggio could find himself at first base.  Biggio did not play any first base in 2020, however in his rookie season he started two games and came in relief for six others, so it isn’t out of question to see the club push him to the position.  Another scenario that relates to Tellez is if the team decides to have him as a full-time designated hitter.  While it is not the likely situation, there is the possibility to see Biggio moved over to first base.

Third Base

If Biggio is to move to third base, this could be caused by a couple scenarios and some would need to be a trickle effect.  In almost every scenario it would have to be caused by Guerrero Jr. failing to secure the spot at third base.  Unlike Biggio, Guerrero Jr. is not versatile and the only places on the field he can play is the two corner infield positions.  I fully expect a determined Guerrero Jr. to reclaim the hot corner and I believe we are all in for a drastic jump in ability next year from the 2020 Vlad Jr we saw, so I don’t see Biggio moving there. However if it were to happen, Biggio could handle the position change as he started 10 games at third base last season and made just one error.

If Guerrero Jr fails to claim third base, and the team acquires either Lindor or Wong, I believe Biggio will be the third basemen next season.  If the team brought in Wong it would likely mean Bichette stays at short stop and Biggio moves to third.  However, if Lindor is acquired, Bichette could possibly move to third base with Biggio staying at second base.

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