Beyond the Nest: Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Hub

Addison Barger (SS/3B) blasted his way onto the Blue Jays top prospect list during the 2022 minor league season, putting up a line of .308/.378/.555 with a .933 OPS while working his way from High A to AAA ball. While injuries slashed a significant portion of his playing time during the past minor league season, Barger will look to impress the Jays during 2024 spring training and possibly make a run at being a September callup. Even though he only hit .250/.353/.403 with a .756 OPS in 2023, Jays fans and the front office seem to agree that he likely still has a bright future north of the border.

The Toronto Blue Jays currently have a conundrum of sorts in their infield right now, as elite 3B Matt Chapman has entered free agency and will likely pursue a long term deal in the open market. Although the Jays can still fill that hole with both internal and external options, it brings up the question on the role that prospects like Barger will play once he gets his eventual call to the show. Let’s take a look at both internal and external replacement scenarios.

Barger’s Future Role Possibilities

If a current Jays player such as Biggio or Davis Schneider fills that spot at 3B to start 2024, that leaves a lack of depth for the second base spot, as Whit Merrifield, the 2023 go-to second baseman, will also likely not be returning to Toronto in 2024. In an internal scenario like this, Barger could find his way to the Rogers Centre sometime in 2024 should injuries occur in the infield and depth is depleted.

Now, if the Blue Jays manage to go out and sign a Jeimer Candelario or make a trade for a full-time major league third baseman, that leaves a little more depth in the infield and second base. In this scenario, Barger will likely remain with Buffalo for the entirety of 2024 to develop his skillset to his fullest potential, along with fellow prospect Orelvis Martinez. Ideally, you want to see the Blue Jays field their best possible lineup at all times, especially when fans know that the Jays’ competitive window is closing on them quickly.

Closing Thoughts

As a primary shortstop with an ability to man third, Barger brings a great value defensively and offensively to a team that certainly struggled with the latter in 2023. I would certainly like to see the Jays bring in an external option at third like Candelario, as that would give both Barger and Martinez time to develop their glove and bat in AAA. I definitely see a spot for Barger if the Blue Jays decide to trade or non-tender INF Santiago Espinal to save some money as they pursue more expensive options. Currently, Espinal and Ernie Clement are the only players that can backup Bo Bichette at shortstop should something happen to him, and those are not ideal options for a team that wants to win a World Series sooner rather than later. If Biggio is also shipped off in addition, I would not mind seeing Barger playing up the middle at 2B with Bo Bichette, and honestly I think he belongs at second base. Best case scenario: Barger joins the Blue Jays in 2025 as their main second baseman, with someone else filling out the hole at third. Let me know what you guys think!