Constructing the ideal Blue Jays lineup ahead of Opening Day

In just over a week, the Toronto Blue Jays will kick off their season at home against the division-rival Baltimore Orioles.

Both teams have already announced their Opening Day starters (Zach Eflin will start against the Blue Jays for the second straight Opening Day) and Toronto's staring down the barrel of its final roster decisions, so it's time to start considering the opening day lineup for the Blue Jays.

Constructing the ideal Blue Jays lineup ahead of Opening Day

There are several factors that will play into manager John Schneider's decisions for Toronto's Opening Day lineup.

While Daulton Varsho has been hitting well for the Jays in spring training, he will likely begin the season on the injured list due to offseason shoulder surgery. If that ends up being the case, Schneider will have to decide who he wants playing center field, and who he wants as designated hitter.

As of now, it appears there will be a platoon in center field, as a member of the trio of Joey Loperfido, Myles Straw, or Nathan Lukes will get the start depending on if the opposing pitcher is left- or right-handed. Alan Roden, who has had an impressive spring, is also in the mix despite not being on the 40-man roster.

The final roster spot will likely be between Addison Barger and Leo Jiménez. While Jiménez provides strong defense and on-base skills, Barger's power and impressive batting average this spring should give him the final spot. In this scenario, Barger would likely DH and platoon with Ernie Clement at third.

Projecting the Blue Jays' batting order

1. SS Bo Bichette
2. 3B Vladmir Guerrero Jr.
3. DH Anthony Santander
4. RF George Springer
5. 2B Andrés Giménez
6. C Alejandro Kirk
7. 3B Ernie Clement
8. DH Addison Barger
9. CF Nathan Lukes

The Blue Jays' best lineup has Varsho playing center field and hitting in the middle of the order. His Gold Glove defense and speed will be missed if he's out to start the season. However, for the time being, the Blue Jays are healthy enough to field a solid lineup every game without him.

Based on the spring training lineups so far, we think the first three hitters should be Bichette, Guerrero, and Santander. Bichette, with his ability to get on-base and put bat-to-ball, should lead off and set the tone for the lineup. Guerrero should follow suit with his power and ability to drive in runs.

Santander, who we have hitting third, offers more power and bat-to-ball skills that should lead to a lot of opportunities to drive in Bichette and Guerrero.

The fourth through sixth spots in the lineup should feature Springer, Giménez, and Kirk. Ideally, Varsho would be hitting cleanup but if he's out, these three should fill those spots.

While Springer has shown some regression, he has the hitting skills to still be productive, and putting him fourth in the order rather than leadoff could help him get back on track. Giménez, with his low strikeout rate and solid spring training numbers, makes sense in the fifth spot as a reliable on-base guy. Kirk, who is due for a breakout season, could be productive in the sixth spot in the lineup.

While the bottom three spots in the lineup remain a question mark, we're expecting it to go Clement, Barger and Lukes, though it could be a platoon between him, Myles Straw, Alan Roden or Joey Loperfido until Varsho returns.

Clement, who is a strong defender at third base and is known for his ability to make consistent contact, fits well in the seventh spot of the lineup. Barger, a promising hitter with power, could provide some much needed pop in the lower part of the order.

Lastly all of the hitters up for the center field spot have approaches built around contact, which is what the Jays need ahead of the lineup turning back over to Bichette. Because Eflin will be on the mound on Opening Day, we're going with Lukes in center field.

Although the Blue Jays still have some question marks around their roster, this lineup would be dangerous on Opening Day.