In 2023, teams will have to abide by the rule that a club can only have 13 pitchers in its active roster. In the past, due to the pandemic, this has not always been applied to help clubs a little.
By force of circumstance, it is to be expected that the teams will therefore have 13 position players in normal times. Having 14 or 15 cuts the possibility of having more casters.
At the Blue Jays, when we analyze the club’s situation a little, we realize that the club now has 11 position players who are assured of their position.
Here’s what it looks like, position by position.
- Receiver: Danny Jansen and Alejandro Kirk will share the work. Daulton Varsho will be the club’s #3 receiver.
- 1st goal: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be the regular. Cavan Biggio will probably be the #1 replacement when needed or on Junior’s DH days, but surely a lot of guys can play there.
- 2nd goal: Santiago EspinalCavan Biggio and Whit Merrifield are going to fight for playing time. Training camp will help determine the starter.
- 3rd goal: Matt Chapman will be there every day. If necessary, Santiago Espinal can help.
- Shortstop: Bo Bichette will be there every day. If necessary, Santiago Espinal can help.
- Left field: Daulton Varsho will be the regular and since the other regular outfielders haven’t played left field in years, Biggio and Merrifield could get some playing time.
- Center field: Kevin Kiermaier is the starter at center until proven otherwise, but Varsho and george springer are good center players. The Jays’ #4 will surely be John Schneider’s #2 option. It would be amazing to see any guy other than those three playing there – if nothing changes. Merrifield and Biggio can, however, help out.
- Right field: George Springer will play on the right this year, but Varsho, Merrifield and Biggio can also play there.
If you count correctly, that’s 11 guys. There is therefore still room for two players in the club’s regular roster.
It can go through additions or through young people. Could the Quebecer Otto Lopez have his chance at the start of the season? He helped himself with a three-hit first start last year, anyway.
Spencer Horwitz (left-handed hitter), Orelvis Martinez (in-season) and Nathan Lukes (left-handed hitter) will want their spots, but Lopez has Major experience and can play just about anywhere on a ball diamond.
If he hit from the left, I’m sure he would have his place. After all, he can play left field and shortstop, two positions where depth is thinner in the Majors.
And if necessary, if asked, I think he could do well at third base.
I also think that going through a signing of a left-handed hitter could be in the plans, a matter of adding a Major League bat.
