3 Blue Jays players on thin ice after recent losing streak

After a strong start to the 2025 season, the Toronto Blue Jays have hit a rut over the past week, as evidenced by the team currently being in the midst of a five-game losing streak.

At one point earlier this year, the Blue Jays were battling the New York Yankees lead in the American League East. But thanks to this losing streak, the Blue Jays have fallen below .500 for the first time since March 29, and they enter play on Friday just just one and a half games away the basement in the American League East.

While it's still just April, the Jays are still desperate to turn things around so that way they don't have to worry about playing from behind all season.

To do that, they'll need to cut back playing time from some struggling players in an attempt to maximize their chances of winning going forward. With that in mind, here's a look at three players who could be on thin ice as the Blue Jays work through their losing streak.

3 Blue Jays players on thin ice after recent 5-game losing streak

INF Will Wagner

Wagner made a huge name for himself after a stellar debut with the Jays during the final two months of his 2024 season. After coming over from the Houston Astros as one of the key returns in the Yusei Kikuchi trade, Wagner hit a stellar .305 with a .788 OPS, along with six doubles, two home runs and 11 RBI in just 24 games played. As a result, the 26-year-old even generated some buzz as a preseason Rookie of the Year candidate.

After a solid start to 2025, things haven’t been going as smoothly for Wagner lately.

His struggles have become even more acute as of late, as he hitting a dismal .120 with seven strikeouts in his last 25 at-bats. It seems like MLB pitchers have begun to figure Wagner out and he hasn't been able to make the appropriate adjustments needed to remain effective.

With that in mind, the Blue Jays might be better served by sending him down to the minor leagues to help him regain confidence in his approach at the plate and work on mechanics without the pressure of being in MLB.

OF Nathan Lukes

Lukes played in 22 MLB games with the Blue Jays last year and posted strong numbers across the board. He hit .303 with an .818 OPS, along with four doubles, two triples, one home run and 10 RBI in 22 games played. That production made it seem like he could end up being a key bench piece for the Blue Jays in 2025.

However, Lukes hasn’t been able to replicate that solid offensive production this year. In 15 games, the 30-year-old outfielder has hit .200 with one home run and five RBIs. The Jays haven’t been using Lukes as an everyday player, which seems to impact his approach at the plate.

He was playing almost every day during his stint with the Blue Jays in 2024, which was one of the biggest reasons why he was able to find success — success that hasn't carried over to his platoon role this year.

With Daulton Varsho's return seemingly coming any day, Lukes’ hold on a roster spot will likely be in jeopardy.

UTIL Addison Barger

While MLB Pipeline has had Barger ranked as one of the Jays' top prospects over the past couple seasons, he has yet to carry the tremendous potential to MLB.

Barger was called up to the Blue Jays three separate times last year and finished the year hitting .197 with seven home runs and 28 RBI in 69 games.

This season, Barger started the year in Triple-A despite having a solid spring training. Nevertheless, his relentless work ethic earned him a promotion to the big leagues almost two weeks ago when Lukes went on the paternity list.

He hasn't been able to find much MLB success since. While he showed off his electric arm when he recorded three outfield assists in one game, he's posted a abysmal .059 average (1-for-18) at the plate.

The Blue Jays can't seem to get anything going on offense right now, so it'll be hard for manager John Schneider to keep Barger in the lineup unless he can turn things around quickly.

As of now, he's likely the prime candidate to be sent back down to the minors in whatever make the Jays make next.