DUNEDIN, Fla. -- The Blue Jays¡¯ camp competitions are still near the bottom of their roster, but in a season where they¡¯ll need every advantage they can find, all of those matter.
Here¡¯s a look at how Toronto's roster projects with two weeks left in camp:
Catcher (2): Alejandro Kirk, Tyler Heineman
This is Kirk¡¯s show now, and he has nailed the first steps in camp. This is the best Kirk has looked at the plate in years and the Blue Jays believe he¡¯s put himself in the right spot, physically, to catch over 100 games. Toronto will still need close to 50 games from a backup, though, which is down to Heineman and Christian Bethancourt. Heineman has the edge for now, but if there¡¯s one position that could change between now and Opening Day, it¡¯s this one.
First base (1): Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
A year ago, the Blue Jays toyed with Vladdy at third base again, especially on days that someone like Spencer Horwitz could handle first base to maximize the lineup. That sounds less likely in 2025, so you¡¯ll likely see Guerrero at first for 140-plus games, with Will Wagner mixing in when Vladdy needs a DH day. Anthony Santander could also handle the position in a pinch.
Second base (2): Andr¨¦s Gim¨¦nez, Will Wagner
Say hello to Infield Daulton Varsho. Gim¨¦nez is a defensive maestro, and even if you¡¯ll end up hoping for more at the plate, his defensive value alone should be significant. Gim¨¦nez's addition seems to add some clarity to the logjam that existed there previously, and on days Gim¨¦nez sits, Wagner or Leo Jim¨¦nez are next up.
Shortstop (1): Bo Bichette
Good luck trying to give Bichette a day off, but if he ever needs one or another injury pops up, manager John Schneider has suggested that Ernie Clement could be next in line for reps. This puts Leo Jim¨¦nez on the bubble, given that the middle-infield spots are covered and Jim¨¦nez hasn¡¯t played much third base.
Third Base (1): Ernie Clement, Addison Barger
Clement was a Gold Glove finalist at this position last year, seizing the job after he spent much of spring battling for a roster spot. With a full camp to prepare as a near-everyday player, Clement should only benefit. Wagner could see some time at third, but Barger has put together a nice camp so far. If the Blue Jays think Barger can hit righties, that could give him an early edge over someone like Orelvis Martinez.
Left field (2): Davis Schneider, Joey Loperfido
No. 5 prospect Alan Roden has put himself on the doorstep of this roster and a strong finish to camp could kick that door down ¡ but for now, it still feels like he¡¯ll start in Triple-A Buffalo where he can play every day for the first month or two. Schneider has put together a very nice camp and there¡¯s a reason the Blue Jays stuck with him through his 2024 struggles. One of Springer or Loperfido will handle left field most days, but if Schneider can crush lefties, there¡¯s value.
Center field (1): Daulton Varsho
Let¡¯s keep an asterisk on this one. Varsho is ahead of schedule, but he still needs to reach a few throwing milestones to be ready for Opening Day. He¡¯ll stay here until we¡¯re told otherwise, though, and it feels like Loperfido is next in line after getting most of the spring reps in center.
Right field (2): Anthony Santander, George Springer
They¡¯ll share right field, but Springer will also see some time in left field depending on matchups. Eventually, Roden will work into this equation, whether that¡¯s due to injury or Roden forcing his way onto the roster.
Starting pitchers (5): Kevin Gausman, Jos¨¦ Berr¨ªos, Chris Bassitt, Max Scherzer, Bowden Francis
This is an impressive group of veterans, and beyond Francis, the Blue Jays will have Yariel Rodr¨ªguez preparing as a starter. This group is perhaps more reliable than dominant, but reliability is a beautiful thing in baseball. Consider the rotation a strength.
Relief pitchers (8): Jeff Hoffman, Yimi García, Chad Green, Ryan Yarbrough, Brendon Little, Nick Sandlin, Yariel Rodríguez, Zach Pop
Hoffman is locked in as the closer with Garcia and Green as the setup man, but if the Blue Jays are forced to start the season without Erik Swanson (right elbow) and Ryan Burr (right shoulder), some jobs will open up. Sandlin and Pop are next in line as 40-man options, but this is another spot where Toronto could look to add before Opening Day.