Beyond the Nest: Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Hub

Santiago Espinal, Ernie Clement, Davis Schneider, Cavan Biggio, Kiner-Falefa. The Toronto Blue Jays seem to have options for their infield besides mainstays Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. But in reality, it’s straight up a logjam of infielders and utility players that needs a proper unclog. With shortstop and first base solidified for now, second base and third base seems to be up for grabs by anyone it seems. Does a trade make sense for any of these players?

Second Base

We could see Davis Schneider take 2B against RHP and LF when against a LHP. He would likely share 2B with Cavan Biggio, and while he showed good defense at 3B last season, it just does not feel right to have him there full time given a below average arm and fielding range. In my mind, given Biggio’s solid OBP numbers and improved hitting last season, I could see him get a solid role at 2B along with Davis Schneider, who had a forgettable end to the season offensively.

Shortstop

No question that Bo Bichette will be the primary SS for the Toronto Blue Jays, being their best all around hitter last season, this is probably the most obvious decision for John Schneider when filling out his lineup card in 2024. In terms of backup shortstops, we now have IKF, Espinal, and Ernie Clement as possibilities in case of injury or rest to Bichette. While Clement may seem like the easy one to cut, I believe that Espinal would be the better piece to ship out in a trade for a bat or a mid tier prospect.

Third Base

Unfortunately, Matt Chapman’s chance of returning is slim to none, considering his desire for a long term deal. With Orelvis Martinez knocking on the big league door, the Jays would be wise to move on. However, this leaves a question mark at 3B. As of today, IKF would be the best fit defensively, as he has the arm and range advantage over any of the other infielders competing for the spot. If Martinez can have an outstanding 2024 in AAA, we could see a late season call up to the big league club, potentially adding some much needed offense to what seems like an anemic lineup.

Lineup / Depth Chart

1. George Springer – RF
2. Bo Bichette – SS
3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – 1B/DH
4. Justin Turner – DH
5. Danny Jansen / Alejandro Kirk – C
6. Davis Schneider / Cavan Biggio – 2B
7. Daulton Varsho – LF/CF
8. Isiah Kiner-Falefa – 3B/UTIL
9. Kevin Kiermaier – CF
10. Bench: Santiago Espinal (INF), Ernie Clement (INF), Spencer Horwitz (1B)
11. AAA: Leo Jimenez (INF), Orelvis Martinez (3B/2B), Addison Barger (2B/3B)

Given this, it seems to appear that a power hitting outfielder would be the best player for the Jays to acquire via trade while shipping off some infield depth.

Potential Trade

Blue Jays receive: Austin Slater (LF)

San Francisco Giants receive: Santiago Espinal (INF), Hayden Juenger (SP)

Austin Slater makes the most sense for the Blue Jays, and the price would not be too expensive. He would mainly be used against LHP, which would move Davis Schneider to 2B and Biggio to the bench. Slater would likely be a rental, as he enters free agency after the 2024 season. In 2023, Slater hit for a .748 OPS, but an .800 OPS and .288 AVG against LHP in 147 PA. He would slot in well at the bottom of the order and provide some much needed pop. With the SF Giants signing OF Jung Ho-Lee and Jorge Soler, Slater would not see significant playing time in the Bay. With Slater making only $4M in 2024, shipping Espinal’s $2.725M contract would only cost the Jays about $1.3M more against the luxury tax, while addressing a key issue for their outfield and power situation. For the Giants, they get a solid utility player with 3 years of team control, plus much needed pitching depth. This is the trade that makes the most sense if Ross Atkins had only one to make. It would also allow Varsho to blossom at his natural position at CF.