5 bold internal moves the Blue Jays could make to jumpstart the offense

Time to see what the kids can do

While the bats at the major league level have been largely struggling, some of the kids on the farm have actually had their bats booming all year. For one, Jays Journal No. 4 prospect Addison Barger has been solidly producing all year, posting a solid .282 average with a .955 OPS, along with 26 runs scored, 13 doubles, 5 home runs, 24 RBI and almost a 1:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 31 games played with Buffalo. He did have a minor stint with the Jays earlier last month though, but perhaps the jitters got to him in making his MLB debut as he only managed a single hit with 6 strikeouts in 18 at-bats.

At the same time, our No. 17 prospect Spencer Horwitz has been mashing the ball just like he did in his team MVP season last year. Horwitz has compiled a .321 average, .910 OPS, with 33 runs scored, 15 doubles, one triple, 2 home runs and 27 RBI in 43 games to date with the Bisons. He also managed to hold his own in his brief stint with the big league club last year. With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. having a firm hold of first base at the MLB level, Horwitz has recently received some reps at second base, expanding his versatility to perhaps pave another plausible way to the big leagues with Cavan Biggio currently struggling.

Finally, for one of their most potent bats in the Jays’ minor league system, our No. 3 prospect Orelvis Martinez has been putting his power on full display once again in 2024. So far this season, he is tied for seventh in the International League in home runs with 10, tied for eighth in runs scored with 32, and tied for ninth in RBI with 31. For a Jays’ team that has had a severe power outage this year when it comes to the long ball, Martinez would surely make a huge difference in that department.

As a result, now is the perfect time to promote one of these promising prospects to give the Jays a new look. In terms of who is the best offensive fit, if the Jays are looking for more consistent contact hitting, then Horwitz is the frontrunner. But if power and production is the name of the game, look no further than Mr. Martinez. If they want the one with the most positional flexibility, then Barger, who can play both in the infield and outfield, is the one to go with.