Blue Jays: Who Can Play Their Way Onto the Roster?

The Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training schedule got underway last Friday. While their recent moves suggest that the roster could be decided, there are position battles to look out for.

The Blue Jays have done a great job in recent years utilizing non-roster invitees. Eric Sogard, A.J. Cole, and Joe Panik all took advantage of having solid camps as a path to making the Opening Day roster.

In that vein, here are some players that could find themselves on the big league club come opening day.

Blue Jays Roster? Greg Bird, 1B/DH

Greg Bird has looked good early on in spring games and could be a viable option as a part-time player. He had some moments as a Yankee before injuries derailed his career. Bird has power and is a capable fielder, and if he keeps up his hot-hitting ways, he will be hard to leave off the team.

Mallex Smith, OF

As much as I like the idea of the Jays having a speedy, backup outfielder, I’m not sure Smith is the play right now. He’s really fast and had an AL-high 46 stolen bases in 2019 with the Mariners. The thing is, the Jays already have a deep outfield and Smith isn’t known as a great defender.

Blue Jays Lefties: How Many Will They Keep?

Toronto added to the bullpen recently in the form of Andrew Vasquez, and the big southpaw looked sharp in his first spring outing. Tim Mayza is coming off a rock-solid 2021 and will be back. So who makes it between Anthony Kay, Tayler Saucedo, and Ryan Borucki? Could a guy like Nick Allgeyer swoop in and snag a spot in the ‘pen?

Perhaps not. But, a strong showing could put him in line for a future call-up.

Blue Jays’ Flame-throwing Righties

Between Trevor Richards, Jordan Romano, Julian Merryweather, Anthony Castro, and Nate Pearson, the Jays have a lot of velocity coming from the right side of their bullpen. Adam Cimber, along with Richards and Romano, were the most reliable relievers down the stretch last season. Pearson seems poised to finally break out.

Add it all up and the Blue Jays will have some tough decisions to make.