2025 Spring Training: What Fans Can Expect to See as Opening Day Approaches.
Ah, late February—one of my favorite times of the year. The Shamrock shake is back at McDonald’s, it is no longer minus twenty degrees, and of course, football is over which means that BASEBALL IS BACK! I caught a glimpse of the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays first spring training game, and all I can say is that all is finally right in the world. Although I am jealous of the balmy weather down in Florida, it really feels like the groundhog lied to us and spring is here early. I could write multiple volumes about other hot topics around the Majors (Yankees beard policy, robot umpires), but we want to give a little bit of a spring training/2025 season preview for the Jays this year and what fans can expect to see as opening day approaches.
The Winter Meetings
I wake up and thank Ross Atkins every day that Juan Soto is not a Blue Jay. From a pure “money ball” perspective, I am happy that he signed with the New York Mets. Steve Cohen, patriarch of the hedge fund Point72 and owner of the Mets has a personal net worth higher than the entire market cap of Rogers Communications (our Blue Jays overlords). Taking into account the exchange rate with the US dollar (and Ontario tax structure), what rational baseball player would turn down $765 million? The last two off-seasons have shown us that the Jays are not ‘real’ contenders for mainstream superstar talent. The Shohei Ohtani fiasco (I am still waiting for his Gulfstream to land at YYZ) is evidence of this. We need to remember that the only reason we can have strong talent is because of our scouting (signing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at sixteen), not our pocketbook.
First Base
The Billy Bean-esque play of replacing Vladdy with multiple first-base contenders is a stronger move. Keeping with the nepotism culture on the Jays roster (think Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio, Vladdy), Will Wagner, son of Billy Wagner, is a possible replacement for Vladdy at first base if we can convince him to get away from the “hot corner.” Although John Schneider just announced that he is down with an illness, it does not seem serious enough to write him off for opening day.
Second Base
In a trade that I forgot happened until I started writing this, the Jays acquired Andrés Giménez from the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for Spencer Horwitz. Fresh off a mediocre season in Cleveland, I will admit my hopes are not high.
Third Base
My boy Ernie Clement offers some defensive versatility and steady contact hitting. He’ll likely serve as a stopgap at third this season, where I am predicting a .260 average and occasional extra-base hits. The pride of Rochester is known for big-time plays, and I expect he will have a few more this season. Although he is no Josh Donaldson, I am still happy with his performance.
Shortstop
The only nepo-baby who seems to actually want to be here, the Florida native is right at home during spring training. A cornerstone of the Jays’ offence, Bichette aims to rebound from an injury-plagued 2024. If he can return to his 2021–2022 (PRIMETIME) form, he should be able to hit around .290 with 20+ homers and 15+ stolen bases.
Catcher
After the Jays parted ways with fan-favourite Danny Jansen, it is likely that Alejandro Kirk will see more playing time behind the plate. Although he is quite average offensively, he seems to be a reliant defensive player that the Jays trust to make the right calls.
Centre Field
Is it even a question? It may actually be. Although John Schneider has claimed that George Springer may see some time in left field, it is hard to believe that Springer will be permanently moved to this role. Considering Springer’s contract is coming to an end next season, management will likely aim to have him in the outfield’s spotlight. With Anthony Santander in right, it makes sense to have Springer lead the outfield.
Left Field
I guess we may nevertheless be seeing some of Springer in left. But Nathan Lukes is a good alternative. Lukes is usually a spring training stud, putting up impressive numbers across the board in his last couple of years. It is safe to say the Dunedin sun works for him. So it is likely that he will be invited back to start in the outfield; specifically in left because that is where he is most familiar at the Rogers Centre. Although he played minimal games last season, Daulton Varsho starting the year off on the injured list may bump him up to start in left.
Right Field
New kid on the block: Anthony Santander. As a seasoned right-fielder with quite an arm, it is likely Santander will start in right. However, since he ended last season with a career-low batting average, management may be debating where he stands. I can see the Jays starting him in right and adjusting depending on whether his hitting continues to decline or if he escapes his alleged slump. New talent Joey Loperfido may give him a run for his money.
Designated Hitter
My money is on Will Wagner, as outlined above, for a first base or designated hitter role, depending on his stamina. At the end of the day, he is a young guy looking to prove that he lives up to his name. Maybe with some regular at bats he can find his groove and gain some mid-season form before the end of the year.
Starting Rotation
The rotation this year blends veteran experience with solid mid-rotation depth, but I still have questions about the durability and consistency needed to be able to go 162 plus the playoffs. With Kevin Gausman leading the staff, the Jays have a true frontline starter; but behind him the rotation relies on aging arms and questionable talent. Max Scherzer’s addition brings leadership and postseason experience, but his health is a major wild card (yes, I am talking about the rumoured failed physical). José Berríos and Chris Bassitt provide stability, though neither is a dominant force. Bowden Francis is an intriguing option at the back end, but he needs to prove he can handle a full season of starts. If Gausman stays dominant and Scherzer holds up for most of the year, this rotation could be above average in the American League. However, if injuries pile up or either Berríos or Bassitt fall off, the Jays may have to rely on unproven depth options from the minors. There may be some mid-season heroics from Atkins to bolster the rotation in July if need be.
Bullpen
All I want to ask here is: who is our closer? With Markham-native Jordan Romano now playing for the Philadelphia Phillies, this is the part of the Jays that I am most scared about. Hopefully, John Schneider can figure this out in the coming weeks. After all, is this not what spring training is for?
World Series Prediction
Jays make a valiant effort but bow to the Detroit Tigers in the American League Championship Series in seven—I am delusional. Mets over Tigers in the World Series in six.