Dream Blue Jays starting lineup for the 2024 season

Batting sixth, George Springer, RF

The days of Springer being a full-time outfielder are likely winding down, but Ohtani's presence as the every day designated hitter forces Springer back out on the grass. Despite the fact that he's 34-years old, the 10-year veteran did not make a single error in 131 appearances in right field last year.

As tempting as it is to put Springer, one of the best leadoff hitters of all-time, atop the lineup, the fit just doesn't feel right anymore. Last year, he had his worst offensive season, even if it still was above-average. In 154 games, he hit 21 home runs and drove in 72, posting a 102 OPS+ along the way. The Jays began to experiment hitting him in non-leadoff spots in the lineup and he performed well (.291 average in 14 games in the four-hole), so perhaps there's hope for him moving forward.

Batting seventh, Danny Jansen, C

This spot in the lineup was a toss-up between Jansen and whoever the heck is going to be the full-time second baseman moving forward. The former will get the edge here, as he remained a lethal power hitter when he was healthy.

Of course, that's exactly the issue for Jansen. He can't stay healthy. The six-year vet performed exceptionally well in 86 games last year, hitting 17 home runs while driving in 53 - both career bests. However, multiple freak occurrences, including more than one trip to the injured list with hit-by-pitch-related injuries, took away the majority of his season.

If he can stay healthy, Jansen deserves the starting catcher gig over Alejandro Kirk, who took a massive step back offensively but made huge strides defensively in 2023. If he continues to swing a hot bat, he could even move up a spot or two in the lineup, but let's stash him in the seven-hole for now.