3 Blue Jays who could take advantage of extra reps with WBC players gone

The World Baseball Classic is almost here, with the big international tournament kicking off on March 4 in Tokyo, Japan, when Australia takes on Chinese Taipei. The Toronto Blue Jays have 12 players representing their countries, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Alejandro Kirk, and Ernie Clement.

That means there are prospects on the current Spring Training roster who will most likely get more playing time thanks to the departures. Here are three players who will thrive with more playing time in Florida.

Blue Jays prospects have a chance to shine while the stars are playing in the World Baseball Classic

Arjun Nimmala

Most of Toronto's players heading to the WBC are infielders, which leaves plenty of opportunities for those who play first, second, third, or short. Nobody has an opportunity to take advantage of the playing time more than Arjun Nimmala does. The Blue Jays' first-round draft pick in 2023 spent all of 2025 with Single-A Vancouver where he hit .224 with 13 home runs and 61 RBIs in 120 games. That's the most he's played in a single season so far in his career. The 20-year-old is hoping to find a spot with the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats in 2026.

With Andrés Giménez and Ernie Clement gone for the WBC, that means Nimmala will get his chance to showcase his skills at short and develop into a prime prospect for the middle infield. So far this spring, Nimalla is hitting .182 with three RBIs on two hits, including a double. It's early for the Blue Jays' number three prospect. However, the next few weeks should give Nimmala the boost he needs to prove he's a top-five prospect for Toronto.

Josh Kasevich

Josh Kasevich has been highlighted as a prospect that the Blue Jays' organization "loves." Frankly, it may be warranted. Currently ranked 13th in the Blue Jays' Top 30 Pipeline, Kasevich quickly found his way to Triple-A Buffalo, where he showcased his bat to the best of his abilities. With the Bisons, Kasevich slashed .325/.382/.433 with an OPS of .815 in 41 games.

Unfortunately, a stress reaction in his back and a wrist injury derailed his 2025 campaign. He split his time with the FCL Blue Jays and Single-A Dunedin before returning to the Bisons in mid-August. This spring, Kasevich has shown his return to form where he's batting .500 in six games with five hits and a home run.

Kasevich's prime positions are shortstop and third base, where he's known to flash the glove. Although those two positions are occupied, Kasevich could use the extra reps to show he could be a reliable infield backup.

Brandon Valenzuela

Alejandro Kirk is off to represent Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic for the first time in his career. With the fan favorite catcher now off for international play, that opens the door for Brandon Valenzuela. Acquired by the Blue Jays at the 2025 Trade Deadline for Will Wagner, Valenzuela finished the season in Triple-A Buffalo.

Valenzuela hit .207 with three home runs and 12 RBIs in 26 games for the Bisons. A little weak with the bat, it was his defense that caught the eyes of the Blue Jays. The young catcher threw out 34% of baserunners trying to steal second base in 2025, something that Toronto values.

Although Tyler Heineman is expected to be Kirk's backup, especially after his strong 2025 campaign, Valenzuela may not be far behind. Valenzuela also has experience playing first base, which could provide infield depth this season. He's hoping to use this year's Spring Training to steal the backup role, and the extra appearances may help.