4 dark horse candidates to fill out Blue Jays' 2024 Opening Day bench

As hard as it might be to believe for some, we are now only three weeks away from Blue Jays pitchers and catchers reporting for spring training. Even allowing for plenty of people calling the organisation's offseason a disappointment to date, this is still an exciting time of year for fans.

There will be plenty of questions which need answering ahead of the 2024 regular season, all centred around if the Blue Jays can go from a fringe contender to one which genuine aspirations of competing for the World Series.

This includes which of the younger players and prospects can find their way onto the roster for the beginning of the regular season. Here is a look at four candidates who are dark horses to be on the opening day roster in Tampa.

Addison Barger

The theme surrounding Addison Barger has always been about being patient with his development. That's what happens when you're drafted as a High School prospect.

This theme continued into last season, when Barger got off to a slow start with the Bisons, hi(low)lighted by a .237 batting average and .662 OPS through his first 20 games in Triple-A. In fairness though, he did have to contend with an elbow injury which sidelined him for six weeks.

In any event, the patience in the 24-year-old did eventually pay off, as he heated up later on in the season. He was particularly impressive during July and August, with a .278/.397/.469 slash line.

Come season's end, Barger had produced nine home runs, 46 RBI and 52 walks in 88 games for the Bisons. This all contributed towards a .250/.353/.403 slash line and .756 OPS, but the promise comes in him still being capable of so much more.

The left-handed bat has filled out and improved his strength, which only helps his hitting potential at the plate. He has a superior throwing arm which can be utilised in a number of positions defensively; he was originally projected to end up at either third base or shortstop, but it's noteworthy that he saw more playing in right field last season.

In theory -- and probably reality -- the odds are against Barger being named to the Blue Jays' opening day roster, with him more likely making his Major League debut at some point later on in the season Of course this could all change, if he has an excellent spring training.

In this respect, last year's spring training saw the 2018 sixth round draft pick produce a .294/.351/.441 slash line and .792 OPS in 34 at-bats. As tough as it will be for him to make the opening day roster, he still has the potential to achieve just this.

Orelvis Martinez

Of our four dark horse candidates to be on the opening day roster, Orelvis Martinez arguably has the best chance of making this become a reality. He is one of just two Blue Jays players in Baseball America's 2024 top-100 prospects list (subscription required), along with Ricky Tiedemann.

Martinez was the Blue Jays' main international free agent signing back in 2018, receiving a $3.5 million bonus. He showed promise early on, before suffering an enforced setback due to COVID-19.

The 22-year-old really saw everything come together last season, first in Double-A New Hampshire. He produced 17 home runs, 46 RBI and 41 walks in 70 games, as he recorded an .825 OPS and earned his first promotion to Triple-A.

Once in Buffalo, Martinez was even better, as he hit 11 homers and 48 RBI in 55 appearances, along with 26 walks. Comes season's end, he had recorded an impressive .263/.340/.507 slash line and .847 OPS with the Bisons.

The Dominican Republic native has always had the power, but what really stood out in 2023 was his improved plate discipline. It is this combination of patience and strength which has resulted in more contact, and made his even more dangerous.

Defensively, Martinez will definitely remain in the infield -- unlike Barger -- with his long-term prospects seeing him more likely to play at third base rather than shortstop. Regardless, he has outstanding arm strength to handle either position, although he does need to improve on his movement around the field.

As things stand, Cavan Biggio is first in the Blue Jays' depth chart at third base, with the recently signed Isiah Kiner-Falefa among those in line to provide depth at the position. However, when combined with Matt Chapman's departure, Martinez does not exactly face any intimidating obstacles in any quest to be on the bench come opening day, especially if he impresses during spring training.

Alan Roden

When it comes to Alan Roden, his inclusion in this article is a contradiction of sorts. On the one hand, he is even less likely to make the opening day roster, when compared to Barger and Martinez.

This is purely due to the fact Roden is not currently on the Blue Jays' 40-man roster. In other words, someone would need to be designated for assignment to make room for him on the 40-man.

On the other hand though, we are talking about a player who is arguably coming off the best offensive season of anyone within the organisation's system. In many ways though, this is just a continuation of what the 24-year-old has always done.

Pure and simple, Roden is a natural hitter; he had a .383 batting average during his three seasons in college and has continued in a similar vein with the Blue Jays. Yes, there were some teething problems early on and an adjustment period, but now he's getting into the swing of things (in more ways than one).

First up, the 2022 third round draft pick was just unstoppable at the plate in 69 games at the High-A level last season with the Canadians. He produced an excellent .321/.437/.459 slash line and .896 OPS, to earn a promotion to Double-A.

Once there Roden continued to thrive, resulting in a .310/.421/.460 slash line and .881 OPS in 46 appearances. As a result of his success, he has moved all the way up to seventh on the Blue Jays' prospects list.

The Middleton, Wisconsin native isn't too shabby on defence either, and seems to have found a home in the outfield corner positions -- his preference is for right field if pushed -- with decent arm strength and excellent instincts. Overall, a strong spring training is more likely to see him end up in Triple-A, but the organisation is fully aware of what he's capable of and come opening day, you never know ...