Toronto Blue Jays Mailbag: Answering reader-submitted questions

Recently, I made a post on social media asking for some reader-submitted questions that I would eventually answer in a post.

Today is the day. I received over 50 questions, so not all of them will be answered but I appreciate everyone tuning in and dropping some stuff for me to address.

Let's get into it.

Editor's note: some questions have been shortened for clarity

I believe Merrifield is the starting second baseman for the Jays. Do you think we keep Biggio and Espinal as backups or deal them? - Brian S.

Let me start by saying that I don't think Merrifield is penciled in as the full-time second baseman. His above-average ability to play other positions, including all three spots in the outfield, likely puts him in more of a super-utility role than ties him down to one spot.

Between Biggio and Espinal, I believe the easy answer is that Biggio would be the one traded. He's had four years to show what he can do and while he started off promising in 2019 and 2020, his shine has faded away significantly and he jumps out as a change of scenery candidate.

While Biggio is under control through 2025, Espinal is younger and under control through 2026. Espinal made the All-Star Game last season and is certainly going to get more opportunities than Biggio will at this point. Biggio is the one that gets moved.

I'm sure the Jays will try a few lineups out but what do you think Varsho's spot in the lineup is? - Steve G.

Right now, FanGraphs' Roster Resource has Varsho batting sixth in the everyday lineup and I don't think I agree with that. To me, he strikes me as more of a two-hole batter thanks to his speed and ability to get on base. Batting second may bring his RBI total down since he's not in position to drive a ton of guys in, but his baserunning abilities will be put on display with big boppers like Bichette, Vladdy and Kirk behind him.

What are the chances the Jays bring back David Phelps? - Trevor H.

I'd say very high. There's still a hole in the bullpen and Phelps put on an excellent performance last season. I recently listed him as a potential minor league contract target for the Jays and I firmly believe that there's a real possibility we see him in Toronto in the upcoming season.

How can they justify charging $13 for a beer at Rogers Centre? - Ryan R.

I don't know, Ryan, but we deserve better.

How concerned should we be with the farm system? - Colin H.

A ton of the system's best prospects are right on the cusp of making it to the big leagues like Orelvis Martinez, Otto López and Addison Barger on the position player side of things and Yosver Zulueta on the pitching side.

Behind these near-MLB-ready guys, there are players like Ricky Tiedemann, Adam Kloffenstein, Sem Robberse and Adam Macko waiting in the wings in the pitching department but the position players are pretty bare, which would be where any concern of mine comes in to play.

There are quite a few names that will see their prospect stock rise with a good season in 2023 so we'll have to wait and see how this year shakes out. These guys include Peyton Williams, Cade Doughty, Miguel Hiraldo, Alex De Jesus, Dasan Brown and Gabriel Martinez.

Why is the club not looking at bringing back Roberto Osuna on a cheap deal? - Francis H.

While Osuna is still young (27-years-old), he likely would not be welcomed back to Blue Jays Nation. After all, he was traded to the Astros in 2018 after he served a suspension for domestic assault.

Since becoming an MLB free agent in 2020, he has not signed on with another club in America and I believe that that says all you need to know about where he stands here.

Not sure if any more reasons are needed but Osuna recently signed a contract with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in Japan as well.

Who do you think the Jays will turn to for the fifth starter's spot and fifth outfielder? - エナルシス・ メサ

The starting outfield picture is set with Varsho, Kiermaier and Springer penciled in as the starters from left to right. Beyond that? Nothing is guaranteed. Whit Merrifield is the likeliest candidate to be the fourth outfielder but he is also an infielder. If I was to pick a true outfielder to fill the fifth spot? It'd be Nathan Lukes, who has done enough to warrant a look in the big leagues.

As far as fifth starters go, I think Yusei Kikuchi is going to be given another shot in the five-hole. While I have been an advocate of his being moved to the bullpen, my prediction is he starts the year as the fifth starter and Mitch White is the long-relief/swingman option. However, as the season goes on, those roles could flip flop and the return of Hyun Jin Ryu will even further muddy the waters.