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Blue Jays: Things to keep an eye on in Spring Training

By Henry Wright

DUNEDIN, FLORIDA - MARCH 21: Bo Bichette #11 of the Toronto Blue Jays awaits the play during the sixth inning against the New York Yankees during a spring training game at TD Ballpark on March 21, 2021 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
DUNEDIN, FLORIDA - MARCH 21: Bo Bichette #11 of the Toronto Blue Jays awaits the play during the sixth inning against the New York Yankees during a spring training game at TD Ballpark on March 21, 2021 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
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Jul 7, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Cavan Biggio (8) looks to throw to first base for the force out of Baltimore Orioles center fielder Cedric Mullins (not pictured) during the seventh inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 7, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Cavan Biggio (8) looks to throw to first base for the force out of Baltimore Orioles center fielder Cedric Mullins (not pictured) during the seventh inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Second base

The loss of 2021 MVP finalist, Marcus Semien, has left a hole in the middle of the Blue Jays infield, and while Cavan Biggio seems to be the favourite to replace him, that’s far from a drawn conclusion. Biggio, who was usually a second baseman in the past, was set to be the team’s third baseman this past season but ended up missing the majority of the year due to injury. In his limited time though, he really struggled, posting an 86 OPS+ in 294 plate appearances. His struggles continued in the field as well, finishing in the 7th percentile for outs above average per baseball savant.

During his absence, Santiago Espinal took over as the team’s third baseman, a position which he seems to currently hold. However, if the Blue Jays are to bring in a big-name third baseman like Jose Ramirez or Matt Chapman, this could lead to a battle between Biggio and Espinal for the starting role at second.

While Espinal’s 2021 OPS+ of 114 may have been better than Biggio’s, Cavan may still have a bigger upside. Espinal is certainly a better fielder, but if it came down to it, Biggio’s ability to walk could make him the favourite. Biggio has shown the ability to be a very solid hitter in the past, but he’ll have to show that can still do that if he wants to lock up the starting job.

The lack of a set starter at second could lead to a very interesting Spring Training battle, and it’s absolutely something to look out for.

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