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Toronto Blue Jays: Who should be the bench infielder for Opening Day?

ByTyson Shushkewich|
BUFFALO, NY - SEPTEMBER 23: Joe Panik #2 of the Toronto Blue Jays gets a hit against the New York Yankees at Sahlen Field on September 23, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. The Blue Jays are the home team due to the Canadian government"u2019s policy on COVID-19, which prevents them from playing in their home stadium in Canada. Blue Jays beat the Yankees 14 to 1. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - SEPTEMBER 23: Joe Panik #2 of the Toronto Blue Jays gets a hit against the New York Yankees at Sahlen Field on September 23, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. The Blue Jays are the home team due to the Canadian government"u2019s policy on COVID-19, which prevents them from playing in their home stadium in Canada. Blue Jays beat the Yankees 14 to 1. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
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BUFFALO, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Santiago Espinal #5 of the Toronto Blue Jays fields a ball hit by Luke Voit #59 of the New York Yankees during the sixth inning at Sahlen Field on September 08, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. The Blue Jays are the home team and are playing their home games in Buffalo due to the Canadian government’s policy on coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Santiago Espinal #5 of the Toronto Blue Jays fields a ball hit by Luke Voit #59 of the New York Yankees during the sixth inning at Sahlen Field on September 08, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. The Blue Jays are the home team and are playing their home games in Buffalo due to the Canadian government’s policy on coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

Who Makes the Roster?

With there likely being only one spot available on the Blue Jays bench for an extra infielder, I believe the competition is narrowing down between Joe Panik and Santiago Espinal.

Valera has had a bit of a rough spring in terms of putting the ball in play and White has just been a strikeout machine, as well as occupying a position (first base) that a few players on the Blue Jays roster already play. Richard Urena has also had difficulty putting the ball in play, but could be in the waiting in AAA if the need arises given he does have the experience both in MLB and with the Blue Jays. These three are most likely out for the bench role to begin the season.

For Smith, he was a long shot to make the roster but he should get some reps down in either AA or AAA and could fast-track himself to a roster spot if he can perform, and if injuries on the main roster come up. A bit more development could help him in the long run as well given his rough 2019 campaign.

Espinal does have a bit of an edge over Panik in that he is already on the 40 man roster, but the Blue Jays could choose to DFA Valera or a depth pitcher and have the former Giant join the team for Opening Day. One thing going against Espinal is that he has three minor league options and can be sent to the minor leagues without being exposed to waivers, meaning Panik could join the roster (once another player gets DFA’d) and Espinal could be waiting in the wings as the alternate training sites are returning for the 2021 season (for at least one month, delaying the start of AAA until May).

Ultimately, I think the Blue Jays go with Panik to begin the season and see if he can perform as a bench player.

As we all know, Spring Training statistics don’t really matter in the long run, but I believe his veteran presence, as well as his ability to play at almost every infield position, gives him a slight edge over Espinal.

Additionally, the fact that Espinal has options and can be sent to the minor leagues/alternate site without going through waivers means if Panik struggles, he can be DFA’d without hurting the salary cap (as he is on a minor league contract with low dollar major league incentives) and bring in Espinal for his turn to take over the role.

Who do you think the Blue Jays will carry on their bench?

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