TORONTO -- Lock it in. It¡¯s finally time to call this roster official.
Hours before first pitch Thursday against the Orioles, the Blue Jays announced their Opening Day roster after shuffling their 40-man roster to make room for Alan Roden, Myles Straw and Jacob Barnes.
Here¡¯s how the Blue Jays will open 2025:
Catcher (2): Alejandro Kirk, Tyler Heineman
This is Kirk¡¯s show now, and with a five-year, $58 million extension in his pocket, it¡¯s going to stay that way. Manager John Schneider doesn¡¯t expect he¡¯ll DH Kirk very often, so the Blue Jays will give him all of the games he can handle behind the plate. He¡¯s been one of the most encouraging hitters in camp, too, and someone new hitting coach David Popkins immediately identified as having the potential to raise the ceiling of this lineup.
First base (1): Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Schneider said recently that Vladdy ¡°hates¡± taking a DH day and doesn¡¯t want to have one until the second half of the season. The Blue Jays might have other ideas, but regardless, Vladdy will be out there for 140-plus games. Third base feels less likely this season when it comes to starting games, but he could still slide across the diamond in-game if that helps Schneider maximize the lineup.
Second base (1): Andr¨¦s Gim¨¦nez
Say hello to Infield Daulton Varsho. Gim¨¦nez is a defensive maestro, and the Blue Jays continue to be optimistic that he¡¯ll bounce back offensively. With Kirk, Gim¨¦nez and eventually Varsho up the middle, the Blue Jays will have one of the best defenses in baseball again. Whenever Gim¨¦nez needs a breather, Davis Schneider will slide in and Will Wagner is another option.
Shortstop (1): Bo Bichette
Good luck trying to give Bichette a day off, but if he ever needs one or another injury pops up, Schneider has suggested that Ernie Clement could be next in line for reps. Bichette was one of the Blue Jays¡¯ most impressive players in camp, and with free agency waiting at the end of 2025, there will be no shortage of motivation. No player on this roster has more potential to change the Blue Jays¡¯ trajectory in 2025.
Third Base (2): Ernie Clement, Will Wagner
Clement was a Gold Glove finalist at this position last year, seizing the job after he spent much of Spring Training battling for a roster spot. With a full camp to prepare as a near-everyday player, Clement should only benefit. While Vladdy could see the odd day there, Will Wagner exceeded expectations defensively in camp, too. Addison Barger was the odd man out and will begin in Triple-A, but he¡¯ll be the next man up if the Blue Jays need another infielder.
Center field (2): Myles Straw, Nathan Lukes
With Varsho starting the season on the IL, Lukes and Straw will share the position while Alan Roden mixes in. It¡¯s possible Schneider tries to target lefty pitchers with Straw and righties with Lukes, but the Blue Jays came away very impressed with Straw¡¯s camp and he¡¯s earned more playing time than most expected going into February.
Corner outfielders (4): Anthony Santander, George Springer, Alan Roden, Davis Schneider
Left and right field are grouped together here for a reason, because these spots could look different every single day. Springer and Santander will be in the lineup, of course, but if Roden is going to get regular playing time, someone will need to get familiar with the DH spot. Davis Schneider¡¯s arrow is pointing up again, too, and when he¡¯s at his best, he can crush left-handed pitching. These corner spots will be in constant motion, but the Blue Jays can really chase some offensive upside here.
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 the long man in the bullpen with Jake Bloss and Eric Lauer in Triple-A. This group is reliable with the potential to be one of the best in the AL, especially if Max Scherzer¡¯s health holds up through the season.
Relief pitchers (8): Jeff Hoffman, Yimi García, Chad Green, Brendon Little, Nick Sandlin, Yariel Rodríguez, Jacob Barnes, Richard Lovelady
With Erik Swanson, Ryan Burr and Zach Pop all starting on the IL, the Blue Jays need their bullpen depth to shine early.