Do the Blue Jays have strong enough backup plans in the event of injuries?

The start of the 2023 spring for Major League Baseball has seen many big injuries so far, whether it be in Spring Training or in the World Baseball Classic.

Star-level players like Edwin Díaz, Jose Altuve, and Rhys Hoskins have all gone down with significant injuries which will definitely affect the outcome of their teams’ seasons. So, with all the injuries going on this spring let’s take a look at whether the Blue Jays have the depth pieces needed in case of injury.

Do the Blue Jays have sufficient injury replacements for position players?

When looking at the position players for the Blue Jays their depth is in good shape. Players like Whit Merrifield, Cavan Biggio, and Santiago Espinal are crucial. Merrifield can fit in to any outfield position, as can Biggio. The Jays are currently short of a fourth outfielder, but Merrifield and Biggio should be able to fill the void. Biggio can also play first base on occasion on days Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is going to DH or needs the day off. Hopefully he does not have to fill in at first base on a regular basis, because that would mean there was an injury to Guerrero or Brandon Belt who are both important pieces to the Jays lineup. 

Espinal is also an important depth piece with his ability to play second base, third base, and shortstop. He has had a terrific spring with a .302 batting average and six runs batted in. All three of these players are good options at the plate and are great options when out in the field. 

At the catcher position the Jays have arguably the best duo in baseball. Alejandro Kirk and Danny Jansen are a dynamic catching duo and if either one of them goes down the other one is ready to take on the burden of playing every day in order to help the team. The Jays also have a third option at catcher in Daulton Varsho, but he is primarily going to play left field.

The position players for the Jays have really good depth in case of injury. An injury for a Jays position player means they are losing a big piece, but players like Merrifield, Biggio, and Espinal will be ready whenever they are called upon. Addison Barger, Otto Lopez, Nathan Lukes and Spencer Horwitz are 40-man options that will begin the season in the minors.