Blue Jays Opening Day roster prediction 1.0

With pitchers and catchers due to report next week, the roster crunch will soon be getting underway. With many decisions still to be made, and the possibilities of more players to be acquired, let’s try and predict what the opening day roster could look like come March 30th in St. Louis.

It’s worth noting the apparent, but not overly necessary needs for this roster. A successful offseason has seen additions to the rotation, the creation of a deep bullpen, the recreation of their outfield, and the acquiring of left-handed bats. Still, minor needs could include more left-handed options out of the bullpen, a right-handed hitting outfielder, another starting pitcher, and further utility options for the bench. 

Starting Rotation (5)

1. Alek Manoah

An All-Star, a Cy Young finalist, a home-grown talent, and the ace of this staff, we're all ready for another year of Alek Manoah. With several statistical outlets projecting a down year for him due to his method of inducing soft contact, watching Manoah go out and prove the doubters wrong will be something to watch in 2023.

2. Kevin Gausman

After a stellar first season in Toronto, Gausman comes into the season with the opposite of Manoah’s case in terms of projected stats. He had historically bad luck last year, as there was a discrepancy of over a whole run between his ERA and FIP. His 2.38 FIP led the AL last year.

3. Chris Bassitt

Looking to stay consistent, Bassitt’s joining of this rotation makes it one of the strongest in the entire American League. The first year of a three-year deal, I look forward to watching Bassitt shove this season, and hope he’ll be a calming force every fifth day.

4. José Berríos

The opposite of Bassitt last year, Berríos was anything but consistent. This is in stark contrast to the rest of his career, as his time with the Twins was extremely consistent. 2023 will be a big year for him, as he will go out to prove who he truly is after signing that large extension with the Jays after the 2021 season.

5. Yusei Kikuchi

After a very disappointing and confusing 2022 campaign, Kikuchi will have a lot to prove in the upcoming season. It's highly likely that he’s given the fifth rotation spot come Opening Day, but with other pitchers capable of filling this role both in the bullpen and minors, he'll have a short leash.

Bullpen (8)

Closer: Jordan Romano

Coming off his first All-Star selection, Romano will open the season as the closer for the Jays and look to continue his dominance from last year.

Setup: Erik Swanson

The biggest piece coming back for Teoscar Hernández, Swanson is looking to build off of a breakout season last year. He will be relied on to pitch high leverage innings for the Jays this year, and hopefully we see another productive year in a much improved Jays bullpen. He also negates the need for another lefty in the pen, as his splits show left-handed hitters struggle against him more than righties.

Setup: Anthony Bass

After coming (back) over midseason last year, Bass will look to have another solid season in the latter half of his career. The former Wayne State product is coming off a 2.7 WAR season between the Marlins and Jays.

Setup: Yimi García

A quietly very good season last year, García should continue to be given high leverage innings this season. A steady presence in the bullpen, there's reason to believe he will continue to put up solid performances for the Jays in the coming season.

Middle relief: Tim Mayza

The lone lefty projected to make the team, his splits are more dramatic than initially expected. A .504 OPS against lefties compared to an .818 clip against righties, Mayza will be an asset against left-handed hitters in 2023.

Middle relief: Adam Cimber

The unsung hero of the bullpen, Cimber just goes out there and does his job. Eclipsing 70 innings each of the last two years, he continues to be one of the more dependable relievers the Jays have seen in their franchise's history.

Middle relief: Nate Pearson

A somewhat bold pick, Pearson will impress during Spring Training en route to breaking camp with the team. Let's say he does enough to take Trevor Richards’ spot for 2023. The sky's the limit for Pearson, at least as a reliever. A fastball in the upper 90s and a wipeout slider, paired with an impressive showing in the Winter League, look for big things from him this year.

Long relief: Mitch White

It'll be interesting to see Mitch White this year, working with a clean slate and more comfortability from starting his season with the Blue Jays. Since Kikuchi starts off in the rotation, White will take the bulk innings out of the Blue Jays bullpen and will be the club's sixth starter.

Infield (7)

Catcher: Danny Jansen

Coming off of a fun season, which could’ve been more had he not been injured, Jano is set to receive his share of starts behind the plate. A fan favorite, his power potential is as enticing as any player on the roster.

Catcher: Alejandro Kirk

After his breakout All-Star season last year, Kirk comes into 2023 expected to share time with Jansen behind the plate. With a simple approach and elite bat to ball skills, it’s acceptable to say another All-Star caliber season from the young catcher can be expected.

First base: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

If a 132 OPS+ and a Gold Glove award is a down year, you’re talking about a generational player. Vladdy is primed to have another big season in 2023, and should be among the favorites to win MVP.

First base/designated hitter: Brandon Belt

An intriguing bounce-back candidate, Belt is a great fit for his perceived role on the 2023 Jays. Set up to slide between DH and first, expect him to be on base consistently and put up competent at bats night after night.

Second base/outfield: Whit Merrifield

A full season of Merrifield is a topic that goes under the radar, but shouldn’t. He does everything on the field well, and is projected to be the starting second baseman for the team heading into 2023. He is also capable of providing plus defense in the outfield when required, so expect to see him all over the field throughout the season and provide a positive and accountable impact on the younger players.

Third base: Matt Chapman

Having Chappy play a full year with the Blue Jays was nothing short of an absolute pleasure. Mesmerizing defense, the ability to hit the ball hard consistently, and notable leadership abilities, he is the complete package. He’s gearing up for a big 2023, a season that could be his last as a Blue Jay thanks to his expiring contract.

Shortstop: Bo Bichette

Having just agreed on a three-year deal to buy out his arbitration years, Bichette is coming off another great season in MLB. After a slow start, his season was more or less saved by an unearthly September that saw him hit .406 and mash seven homeruns. Starting off strong will be a big topic of interest for him early in the season.