Offseason Roster Thread 2025-26

[Eat My Shatkins]

I think Ernie has more than earned a full time starting IF spot after the last two seasons and a historic post season.

[Carlos Danger]

45 minutes ago, Brownie19 said:

I'm not sure I buy this.  First, in a 5 to 7 game series, you're only using 2 of those 4 players.  Let's assume that's Gimenez and Ernie.  Ernie is projected to be a league average bat and we'd obviously seen how effective he can be when he gets hot.

Obviously teams would love 120 wRC+ bats throughout their lineup, but even the big bad Dodgers didn't have that last year.  They consistently played Edman (82 wRC+) and Kiki (70 wRC+) out there in the playoffs and then had to replace stone cold Pages with Rojas.

It's also just flat out wrong that defensive abilities have less impact, or aren't as meaningful in a 5 or 7 game series.  Defensive plays can have a HUGE impact in a short series.

 

Yea, but at the end of the day we didn't score more runs than the other Team and we lost. We need to be able to score more runs this year in a 5-7 game series and IMPROVE on last year.

Clement was in rare air and that ain't going to happen again... 

We need more offense!

[L54]

40 minutes ago, Laika said:

Nats are probably shopping CJ Abrams. He'd be an interesting target, lol. Never would happen because of vibes though. 

I sort of agree that Clement/Gimenez are fine for 162 but you want punch in the playoffs, but they were both exactly what was needed for most (Gimenez) or all of (Clement) the 2025 playoffs so I don't agree entirely 

They weren’t what was needed, they both balled out for 5 weeks. I’m going to take the under on that happening again 

Ernie I feel pretty confident in and he can impact a playoff game because of his knack for squaring balls up. Gimenez is looking more and more like Andrelton Simmons 

[Laika]

1 minute ago, Carlos Danger said:

Yea, but at the end of the day we didn't score more runs than the other Team and we lost. We need to be able to score more runs this year in a 5-7 game series and IMPROVE on last year.

Clement was in rare air and that ain't going to happen again... 

We need more offense!

Or more run prevention, lol. 

Better pitchers should help. Jays got so lucky with certain P playoff performances. 

[L54]

50 minutes ago, Brownie19 said:

I'm not sure I buy this.  First, in a 5 to 7 game series, you're only using 2 of those 4 players.  Let's assume that's Gimenez and Ernie.  Ernie is projected to be a league average bat and we'd obviously seen how effective he can be when he gets hot.

Obviously teams would love 120 wRC+ bats throughout their lineup, but even the big bad Dodgers didn't have that last year.  They consistently played Edman (82 wRC+) and Kiki (70 wRC+) out there in the playoffs and then had to replace stone cold Pages with Rojas.

It's also just flat out wrong that defensive abilities have less impact, or aren't as meaningful in a 5 or 7 game series.  Defensive plays can have a HUGE impact in a short series.

 

Obviously you’re not rostering all those players in the playoffs, that’s what’s known as a depth chart 

And yes defense is ultimately much more random in short bursts like a playoff series. You could play a seven game series and have zero opportunities to make a play considered a game changer. But you have to hit once every nine times and if all your warz come from being elite defensively and a noodle with the bat your opportunity to impact the game decreases significantly 

[BatFlip]

45 minutes ago, R.O. said:

 

Seranthony was patient and got a pretty decent contract.  Makes me like the Jays early signing of Rogers for 3-years $37M even more.  

 

[L54]

10 minutes ago, Eat My Shatkins said:

I think Ernie has more than earned a full time starting IF spot after the last two seasons and a historic post season.

Has Gimenez? 

[Eat My Shatkins]

3 minutes ago, L54 said:

Has Gimenez? 

I give him a pass because he struggled with injuries last season but looked decent at the start of the season and the end of the season when he was supposedly healthy. Hanging by a thread though.

If he can put up 85-95 wRC+ he's probably worth 3 or so fWAR as our GG level starting SS and #9 hitter. I can live with that no problem.

[Jays24]

1 hour ago, Brownie19 said:

Thanks for adding that.

Rendered your post meaningless without that CRUCIAL piece of info :) 

[L54]

1 minute ago, Eat My Shatkins said:

I give him a pass because he struggled with injuries last season but looked decent at the start of the season and the end of the season when he was supposedly healthy. Hanging by a thread though.

He really isn’t hanging on by a thread though, there is nobody to challenge his job. That’s my point 

I hope vs lefties we see Ernie shift to SS and DS at second. That might be the best configuration the Jays have 

 

[ValiantJaysFan]

15 hours ago, Stangstag said:

We need SS/2B depth the most

After this season who do we have in our OF? 

SS we have Gimenez, Ernie. 2B those guys plus Schneider. 3B Okamoto, Clement, Barger, Vladdy if needed. 1B Okamoto, Vladdy, I'm sure Ernie if needed. Plus we have guys in the minors that could come up in the event of an emergency.

OF we have Varsho who could be gone next year, Santander who belongs at DH but can play RF or LF I guess, but really would suck. RF/3B Barger. LF we have Lukes, Schneider. Straw I guess as backup.

Seems to me like OF is where we need some more depth, not just for this year but moving forward. Especially if Santander sucks again or can't stay healthy again. To me Kwan is the perfect guy for what we need. Doesn't strike out, makes solid contact, A+ defence, can run, and is controllable for a few more years. Doubt Cleveland will trade him though unless they're out of it so might be a moot point...but to me he solves a lot of problems. He'd also be a great leadoff hitter once Springer is gone.

[Brownie19]

3 minutes ago, ValiantJaysFan said:

After this season who do we have in our OF? 

SS we have Gimenez, Ernie. 2B those guys plus Schneider. 3B Okamoto, Clement, Barger, Vladdy if needed. 1B Okamoto, Vladdy, I'm sure Ernie if needed. Plus we have guys in the minors that could come up in the event of an emergency.

OF we have Varsho who could be gone next year, Santander who belongs at DH but can play RF or LF I guess, but really would suck. RF/3B Barger. LF we have Lukes, Schneider. Straw I guess as backup.

Seems to me like OF is where we need some more depth, not just for this year but moving forward. Especially if Santander sucks again or can't stay healthy again. To me Kwan is the perfect guy for what we need. Doesn't strike out, makes solid contact, A+ defence, can run, and is controllable for a few more years. Doubt Cleveland will trade him though unless they're out of it so might be a moot point...but to me he solves a lot of problems. He'd also be a great leadoff hitter once Springer is gone.

It depends what version of Kwan you think we're getting.  his wRC+ by season has gone 125, 99, 131 and 99.

His OBP was .330 last year.  He's certainly a solid player, but I'm not so sure he's the upgrade you think he is.  I don't disagree about your point about OF depth, but we do also have Schreck, Pinango and Aries in the upper minors - which at least provides some depth for 2026.

[Laika]

3 minutes ago, ValiantJaysFan said:

After this season who do we have in our OF? 

SS we have Gimenez, Ernie. 2B those guys plus Schneider. 3B Okamoto, Clement, Barger, Vladdy if needed. 1B Okamoto, Vladdy, I'm sure Ernie if needed. Plus we have guys in the minors that could come up in the event of an emergency.

OF we have Varsho who could be gone next year, Santander who belongs at DH but can play RF or LF I guess, but really would suck. RF/3B Barger. LF we have Lukes, Schneider. Straw I guess as backup.

Seems to me like OF is where we need some more depth, not just for this year but moving forward. Especially if Santander sucks again or can't stay healthy again. To me Kwan is the perfect guy for what we need. Doesn't strike out, makes solid contact, A+ defence, can run, and is controllable for a few more years. Doubt Cleveland will trade him though unless they're out of it so might be a moot point...but to me he solves a lot of problems. He'd also be a great leadoff hitter once Springer is gone.

Yeah - mostly at CF. 

I'm not really a huge fan of Kwan. 99 wRC+ two of the last three years. Might be a very underwhelming player going forward. 

At least most of the relevant position player depth in the upper minors is from OFers. Schreck, Pinango, Arias, Loperfido, Clase. Pinto will be in AA this year. Not a lot to get excited about but Schreck or Pinango could always surprise this year. 

The team's two best hitting prospects are infielders as well. Acquiring a controllable CFer would be massive. 

[Terminator]

Oneil Cruz! We can trade them a combo of pieces to both help them compete this year while netting a prospect or two.

Lukes is the corner OF version of Whorewitz, I'm sure they'd love him. I'm sure they could use some of our relievers. Maybe they'd be interested in Santander or Berrios if we ate some money.

 

[ValiantJaysFan]

12 minutes ago, Terminator said:

Oneil Cruz! We can trade them a combo of pieces to both help them compete this year while netting a prospect or two.

Lukes is the corner OF version of Whorewitz, I'm sure they'd love him. I'm sure they could use some of our relievers. Maybe they'd be interested in Santander or Berrios if we ate some money.

 

That would be interesting. I don't think he can really hit lefties though, can he? So it would have to be more of a platoon situation...would be REALLY nice to have his speed though. That's one thing I feel we're lacking...no one that can just change a game completely by running out a weak ground ball into a single, and then stealing two bases lol. Someone like a Chandler Simpson or Crow-Armstrong. There aren't many of them out there and doubt anyone like that is even available but Cruz would definitely be close to that, I like him.

[ValiantJaysFan]

23 minutes ago, Brownie19 said:

It depends what version of Kwan you think we're getting.  his wRC+ by season has gone 125, 99, 131 and 99.

His OBP was .330 last year.  He's certainly a solid player, but I'm not so sure he's the upgrade you think he is.  I don't disagree about your point about OF depth, but we do also have Schreck, Pinango and Aries in the upper minors - which at least provides some depth for 2026.

True, but we have Popkins so I'm sure they'd be able to make adjustments that might make him more consistent. I think he would be a moderate upgrade over Lukes, not that I don't like Lukes. But yeah it would be nice to aim a bit higher. Just looking at players who might conceivably be available in a trade and he seems to fit better than most. 

[ValiantJaysFan]

27 minutes ago, Laika said:

Yeah - mostly at CF. 

I'm not really a huge fan of Kwan. 99 wRC+ two of the last three years. Might be a very underwhelming player going forward. 

At least most of the relevant position player depth in the upper minors is from OFers. Schreck, Pinango, Arias, Loperfido, Clase. Pinto will be in AA this year. Not a lot to get excited about but Schreck or Pinango could always surprise this year. 

The team's two best hitting prospects are infielders as well. Acquiring a controllable CFer would be massive. 

Yeah those prospects are pretty average MLBers if everything goes their way, imo. Definitely a huge area of concern beyond this year, especially with really no major OF free agents next year either. Atkins almost HAS to acquire someone by the deadline at the latest. But I guess a lot depends on Santander/Springer's health this year too. I really don't want to watch Santander play in the field more than he has to though.

[Terminator]

Jays fans when it comes to Steven Kwan vs. Nathan Lukes

[Brownie19]

5 minutes ago, ValiantJaysFan said:

Yeah those prospects are pretty average MLBers if everything goes their way, imo. Definitely a huge area of concern beyond this year, especially with really no major OF free agents next year either. Atkins almost HAS to acquire someone by the deadline at the latest. But I guess a lot depends on Santander/Springer's health this year too. I really don't want to watch Santander play in the field more than he has to though.

I don't know that he "has" to acquire someone by the deadline.  He could resign Varsho (or extend him) and there's always a few CFers on the FA market.  Harrison Bader is still a FA right now while coming off a 3.2 WAR season with a 122 wRC+ bat.  They won't be long term solutions, but short term stop gaps will be available.

I do love the idea of Oneil Cruz - I wonder what he costs?

I also hope that people are starting to understand why we gave up Moreno to get Varsho.  Quality CFers are extremely rare.  I maintain my stance the Jays hoped Varsho's bat would develop like we saw it last year.  It took longer than expected, but his defense and baserunning is so good, that his floor was always super high.

[ValiantJaysFan]

1 minute ago, Brownie19 said:

I don't know that he "has" to acquire someone by the deadline.  He could resign Varsho (or extend him) and there's always a few CFers on the FA market.  Harrison Bader is still a FA right now while coming off a 3.2 WAR season with a 122 wRC+ bat.  They won't be long term solutions, but short term stop gaps will be available.

I do love the idea of Oneil Cruz - I wonder what he costs?

I also hope that people are starting to understand why we gave up Moreno to get Varsho.  Quality CFers are extremely rare.  I maintain my stance the Jays hoped Varsho's bat would develop like we saw it last year.  It took longer than expected, but his defense and baserunning is so good, that his floor was always super high.

Yeah for a CF I doubt we can do much better. Wonder what kind of salary he’s gonna want though with such a weak market next year. He’s got a lot of leverage. 

[ValiantJaysFan]

4 minutes ago, Terminator said:

Jays fans when it comes to Steven Kwan vs. Nathan Lukes

Lol. Their numbers are actually shockingly similar now that I deep dived on it. 

[glory]

The issue with Varsho, especially if he's a Boras guy, is going to be how much do you want to commit to him starting at age 30/31? A five year deal takes him to age 36. I just don't know how smart of an investment that would be unless his bat has taken a sustainable leap forward on the power side and he can be an above average hitter as he ages even if his defense dips. Not sure I'd want to take that risk at a Boras level contract, though I guess a lot will depend on how he does in 2026.

Finding a CF who can field and hit is hard. 

[ValiantJaysFan]

14 minutes ago, glory said:

The issue with Varsho, especially if he's a Boras guy, is going to be how much do you want to commit to him starting at age 30/31? A five year deal takes him to age 36. I just don't know how smart of an investment that would be unless his bat has taken a sustainable leap forward on the power side and he can be an above average hitter as he ages even if his defense dips. Not sure I'd want to take that risk at a Boras level contract, though I guess a lot will depend on how he does in 2026.

Finding a CF who can field and hit is hard. 

I don’t think he’s Boras client is he? Just looked it up and all I can find is that he’s represented by ISE. But I agree, I’m sure he’s gonna want term. 5 years or something with a team option for a sixth would be good if he’d do it. I would definitely try to front load it though if possible.

[L54]

Am I the only one who isn’t worried about CF beyond this season? 

[Carlos Danger]

1 hour ago, L54 said:

Am I the only one who isn’t worried about CF beyond this season? 

I see Varsho as an extension candidate. However, yes, I am worried about the OF in general next year, not just CF.

Hence Tucker would have been such a key addition on an 8-10 yr deal.

[Jays24]

We got Varsho/Barger/Santander with Lukes as the 4th OFer for this season.  3 of the 4 are under contract past this season with Varsho being a contract extension candidate.  What is there exactly to freak out over?

[Terminator]

12 minutes ago, Jays24 said:

We got Varsho/Barger/Santander with Lukes as the 4th OFer for this season.  3 of the 4 are under contract past this season with Varsho being a contract extension candidate.  What is there exactly to freak out over?

Santander/Lukes/Barger in 2027 is a pretty s*** OF.

I wouldn't say I'm panicking (remember I was the guy that said last year's team would contend when everyone had already thrown in the towel in May) but it is a concern that we will have to address at some point. And there aren't really any FA center fielders next year either.

[Eat My Shatkins]

Would have been nice to get Tucker as that elite OF bat, but the OF depth is solid.

Varsho

Barger

Santander

Lukes

Straw

Springer

Schneider

Loperfido

Clase

Schreck 

 

Varsho and Springer are the only ones not under control past this season.

[Jays24]

1 hour ago, Terminator said:

Santander/Lukes/Barger in 2027 is a pretty s*** OF.

I wouldn't say I'm panicking (remember I was the guy that said last year's team would contend when everyone had already thrown in the towel in May) but it is a concern that we will have to address at some point. And there aren't really any FA center fielders next year either.

You ignored the past where I said Varsho is an extension candidate.  If not then the Jays with their 300M payroll who just offered Tucker 350M will find another player that fits. 

These are big dick swinging, limousine riding, 300M payroll having POWERHOUSE Jays baby!!!!

[Sasky05]

5 hours ago, L54 said:

Am I the only one who isn’t worried about CF beyond this season? 

I'm with you, Barger, Varsho, (possibly extended), Lukes, Santander, and Loperfido, who I think is going to be  an above average outfielder. I think we have solid depth. If Varsho leaves, they deal with it. No point getting to revved up about maybes.