Your 2026 Jays Starting Lineup/Batting Order

[Jays24]

With opening day closing in, what do you feel the Jays Starting Lineup/Batting Order should be?

CF Springer 

LF Lukes

1B Vlad

RF Barger

C KIrk

CF Varsho

3B Okamoto

2B Clement

SS Gimenez

Just imagine how amazing the above lineup would be if we had added Tucker + a healthy Santandar.  

[sliderguy35]

lukes has an option, sanchez doesn't. it's almost a guarantee that lukes will start the season in buffalo.

otherwise it looks right to me

[Terminator]

9 minutes ago, sliderguy35 said:

lukes has an option, sanchez doesn't. it's almost a guarantee that lukes will start the season in buffalo.

otherwise it looks right to me

Yeah it seems like Leo Jimenez will make the team over Lukes as well. It's not really fair but Jimenez doesn't have options and Lukes does. 

The only way he makes it is if they don't think Jimenez brings much to the table so they don't care if they lose him and they like Lukes' vibes. 

[Brownie19]

v. RHP

1. Springer DH

2. Vlad 1st

3. Barger RF

4. Okamoto 3rd

5. Varsho CF

6. Kirk C

7. Sanchez LF

8. Clement 2nd

9. Gimenez SS

v. LHP

1. Springer DH

2. Clement 2nd

3. Vlad 1st

4. Okamoto 3rd

5. Barger RF

6. Kirk C

7. Varsho CF

8. Schneider LF

9. Gimenez SS

 

That's what I think it "should" be, but I know Vlad will hit 3rd in both cases because he's comfortable there.  If true, I'd probably just flip Vlad and Barger.  Obviously you might put Straw into supplement Barger or Varsho at times v. LHP.  You could also slide Leo in for Gimenez - especially if the Jays have a flyball starter on the bump.

v. RHP, Sanchez and Varsho could swap spots based on who's hot and v. LHP, Schneider/Clement could swap spots based on who's hot.

Tons of RH/LH balance available this year.

I prefer Okamoto in the 4th spot.  Best combination of power and contact.  They may not want to start the year putting that much pressure on him - but he's 29 - he's a vet and I think he'll do just fine.

[Jays24]

9 minutes ago, Terminator said:

Yeah it seems like Leo Jimenez will make the team over Lukes as well. It's not really fair but Jimenez doesn't have options and Lukes does. 

The only way he makes it is if they don't think Jimenez brings much to the table so they don't care if they lose him and they like Lukes' vibes. 

Hard for me to picture a player who started games throughout the world series run being sent down to the minors to make room for Jimenez.  

I understand its just good asset management to do so but I think Leo will get traded for a bag of chips shortly unless they truly believe in him. 

[Terminator]

6 minutes ago, Jays24 said:

Hard for me to picture a player who started games throughout the world series run being sent down to the minors to make room for Jimenez.  

I understand its just good asset management to do so but I think Leo will get traded for a bag of chips shortly unless they truly believe in him. 

Yeah that could definitely be the case. Kasevich's strong spring performance probably helps.

And tbh, a lot of Jimenez's appeal was that he provided good SS defense. But watching him play I have a hard time believing that he would actually be any good there. Definitely looks more like a 3B/2B than SS.

[Brownie19]

16 minutes ago, Terminator said:

Yeah that could definitely be the case. Kasevich's strong spring performance probably helps.

And tbh, a lot of Jimenez's appeal was that he provided good SS defense. But watching him play I have a hard time believing that he would actually be any good there. Definitely looks more like a 3B/2B than SS.

Agreed - he's more of a 2nd baseman.  But Ernie can always slide over to SS if needed.

[Brownie19]

25 minutes ago, Jays24 said:

Hard for me to picture a player who started games throughout the world series run being sent down to the minors to make room for Jimenez.  

I understand its just good asset management to do so but I think Leo will get traded for a bag of chips shortly unless they truly believe in him. 

It's just asset management.  We're short MI talent.  This protects against a major injury on the infield.  

Lukes just isn't good enough to worry about sending him to AAA for the onset of the season (as much as I hate this for him personally).  Hard to see us going into the season without a backup infielder - unless you see Schneider being a reasonable option at 2nd, which the Jays haven't shown much evidence they do...

[Jays24]

5 minutes ago, Brownie19 said:

It's just asset management.  We're short MI talent.  This protects against a major injury on the infield.  

Lukes just isn't good enough to worry about sending him to AAA for the onset of the season (as much as I hate this for him personally).  Hard to see us going into the season without a backup infielder - unless you see Schneider being a reasonable option at 2nd, which the Jays haven't shown much evidence they do...

I think we already have our backup infielders with Barger at 3B, Clement at SS, Schneider at 2B and Okamoto at 1B. 

But ya, lets see what the Jays think of Jimenez because it wouldnt be smart to just let him walk.  You dont want to be 1 injury away from having to scramble like crazy.  

[SuperFuzzBigMuff]

43 minutes ago, Jays24 said:

I think we already have our backup infielders with Barger at 3B, Clement at SS, Schneider at 2B and Okamoto at 1B. 

But ya, let’s see what the Jays think of Jimenez because it wouldnt be smart to just let him walk.  You dont want to be 1 injury away from having to scramble like crazy.  

I’d rather Barger at 3B and at the plate than Okamoto.   

[Spanky__99]

Seeing who made this s***** thread, I knew to wait, he's so dumn and s*** ain't divined, such a f***ing bird.

 

[Jays24]

57 minutes ago, Spanky__99 said:

Seeing who made this s***** thread, I knew to wait, he's so dumn and s*** ain't divined, such a f***ing bird.

 

Were you honestly not hugged as a child?  Jesus man haha

[hanton]

Lefty

Righty

Lefty

.......lol

 

I really have no idea but I hope Oka can force his way in to the top 5, Springer leading off for sure

[Stangstag]

I really wanna see Eloy in there against LHP, at least to start the year.

Against LHP

1. LF-Springer-R

2. 2B-Schneider-R

3. 1B-Vladdy-R

4. C-Kirk-R

5. RF-Barger-L

6. 3B-Okamoto-R

7. DH-Jimenez-R

8. SS-Clement-R

9. CF-Varsho-L

[Stangstag]

Honestly, feels like however you setup the lineup its very interchangeable depending on who gets hot/who is cold.

Like, Okamoto could hit anywhere from 2nd-6th, Varsho pretty much anywhere, Ernie could be moved up if he’s hot, Barger… who knows!

Really the only lock is Vlad 3rd and Springer 1st (as long as he doesn’t regress terribly)

[glory]

I think they want a LHB hitting between Springer and Vlad, so either Barger (most likely) or Varsho. After Vlad, and in between Clement (8) and Gimenez (9), it will probably depend on who is hot at the time or the matchup. They don't really have a true cleanup type hitter. I'm bullish on Okamoto offensively, he might be that guy, and if he is, then that makes the lineup construction a lot easier. 

[Stangstag]

7 hours ago, glory said:

I think they want a LHB hitting between Springer and Vlad, so either Barger (most likely) or Varsho. After Vlad, and in between Clement (8) and Gimenez (9), it will probably depend on who is hot at the time or the matchup. They don't really have a true cleanup type hitter. I'm bullish on Okamoto offensively, he might be that guy, and if he is, then that makes the lineup construction a lot easier. 

No real cleanup hitter is true, but im not sure it matters when the entire lineup is above-average anyways. 

Our 7-9 has to be one of the best in the league

[The_DH]

Any word or rumour on the two Rule 5 pitchers?  I'm assuming we want to keep them both but will have to offer their teams something.  Maybe Nance or something like that?

[jaysblue]

On 3/18/2026 at 6:58 AM, Stangstag said:

No real cleanup hitter is true, but im not sure it matters when the entire lineup is above-average anyways. 

Our 7-9 has to be one of the best in the league

Yeah that was the first thing that caught my attention. Even when playing MLB the Show 26 yesterday as the Jays, I'm like there is real no cleanup hitter in this lineup lol. 

Will be interesting to see how Schneider manages the lineup against RHP vs, LHP. I think you definitely get Schneider in there at 2B and would love to see Eloy as a DH.

I think Kirk probably is best as the cleanup hitter behind Vladdy.  

I would like to see Vladdy hitting #2 so he get's more AB's, but I understand if he's not comfortable there. Barger I think hitting #2 or #3 against RHP is fine. Gives you some pop early in the lineup. 

[gruber9292]

Lukes needs to be on the roster, run Jiminez through waivers and cross your fingers. Kasevich will suffice as a bench middle infielder in the event Jiminez gets claimed. This position can also easily be solidified at the trade deadline. 

[Olerud363.354]

On 3/17/2026 at 4:41 PM, Brownie19 said:

Schneider being a reasonable option at 2nd, which the Jays haven't shown much evidence they do...

I get he's not the greatest 2b men, but they have played Horwitz there.  They played a one legged Bo Bichette there in the 7 most important games in a generation.

So I think they wouldn't have a problem putting Schneider at 2b in an emergency, I think they'd put him there for a few weeks if it was the best choice according to their win-modelling.  

They might also send Lukes down, as cruel as it is, if it's the best choice, and if they are really cold... though they may not be that cold.  Or maybe according to their win-modelling, being cold leads to less wins long term because it makes harder to attract good role players if you are mean to one. 

[Brownie19]

56 minutes ago, Olerud363.354 said:

I get he's not the greatest 2b men, but they have played Horwitz there.  They played a one legged Bo Bichette there in the 7 most important games in a generation.

So I think they wouldn't have a problem putting Schneider at 2b in an emergency, I think they'd put him there for a few weeks if it was the best choice according to their win-modelling.  

Anyone know if Schneider has logged any innings at 2nd this spring?  With Clement and Gimenez at the WBC - you'd think it would have been a great time to get him some reps.

[glory]

Today’s lineup vs the Yankees:

Springer-Varsho-Vlad-Barger-Kirk-Sanchez-Okamoto-Clement-Gimenez

The lineup will probably be fluid all season but I could see the Jays going with this on opening day vs RHP. I think Okamoto eventually settles into the cleanup spot at some point during the season if he meets/exceeds projections.

[jaysblue]

2 hours ago, Brownie19 said:

Anyone know if Schneider has logged any innings at 2nd this spring?  With Clement and Gimenez at the WBC - you'd think it would have been a great time to get him some reps.

On his MLB page, says 9 games and 9 starts and 44 innings at 2B vs. 5 games/24 innings in LF. 

[Jays24]

I would love Varsho to take the 2 spot but it feels he has struggled every time the team has moved him to the top of the order.   Maybe it being a contract year changes a few things.  

[Laika]

Springer
Vlad
Barger
Kirk
Varsho
Okamoto
Sanchez
Clement
Gimenez

Is what I would do against RHP 
Separates all the LHB from each other
Varsho's low OBP high ISO projection is good for hitting 5th or 6th 

Okamoto and Kirk are close in projected offense so you could flip them depending on how they are playing. Same for Sanchez and Varsho and Barger. 

Against LHP I'm inserting Schneider for Sanchez:

Springer
Vlad
Kirk
Barger
Okamoto
Schneider
Varsho
Clement
Gimenez

[Jays24]

6 minutes ago, Laika said:

Springer
Vlad
Barger
Kirk
Varsho
Okamoto
Sanchez
Clement
Gimenez

Is what I would do against RHP 
Separates all the LHB from each other
Varsho's low OBP high ISO projection is good for hitting 5th or 6th 

Okamoto and Kirk are close in projected offense so you could flip them depending on how they are playing. Same for Sanchez and Varsho and Barger. 

Against LHP I'm inserting Schneider for Sanchez:

Springer
Vlad
Kirk
Barger
Okamoto
Schneider
Varsho
Clement
Gimenez

I agree with the logic but I think its safe to keep Vlad in the number 3 spot for his comfort.  

[Orgfiller]

1 hour ago, Laika said:

Springer
Vlad
Barger
Kirk
Varsho
Okamoto
Sanchez
Clement
Gimenez

Is what I would do against RHP 
Separates all the LHB from each other
Varsho's low OBP high ISO projection is good for hitting 5th or 6th 

Okamoto and Kirk are close in projected offense so you could flip them depending on how they are playing. Same for Sanchez and Varsho and Barger. 

Against LHP I'm inserting Schneider for Sanchez:

Springer
Vlad
Kirk
Barger
Okamoto
Schneider
Varsho
Clement
Gimenez

Jury is still out on Barger against LHP - he did great in the playoffs, but SSS and he's still relatively inexperienced so they might attack him differently moving forward - so I'd probably have Okamoto/Kirk as the cleanup vs lefties, maybe even the entire top 5 as righties, before inserting and splitting Barger and Varsho in any order.

Maybe against fringy lefties you can put Barger/Varsho in the 4 or 5 hole, but against guys like Crochet and Fried I'm stacking the top of the lineup with righties, maybe as many as 6 deep. Gimenez will likely be bunting if he comes up in key spots with how we used the bottom half of the lineup last season.

[Terminator]

Jason Martinez of Roster Resource was asked about Leo Jimenez making the OD roster and here is what he said:

matty25

You have Leo Jimenez starting in AAA, but he’s out of options, meaning he’d have to clear waivers. Do the Jays really risk that? They could option Lukes instead, but that feels dirty given he was hitting 2nd in the World Series.

Jason Martinez

I guess we'll find out soon how much the Jays value Jimenez. Good chance he makes it thru waivers if he doesn't make the team. And, if not, the Jays can find similar players to stash in AAA for infield depth. Lukes was such an important part of the 2025 team. Would be insulting to send him back to AAA.

[Stangstag]

30 minutes ago, Terminator said:

Jason Martinez of Roster Resource was asked about Leo Jimenez making the OD roster and here is what he said:

matty25

You have Leo Jimenez starting in AAA, but he’s out of options, meaning he’d have to clear waivers. Do the Jays really risk that? They could option Lukes instead, but that feels dirty given he was hitting 2nd in the World Series.

Jason Martinez

I guess we'll find out soon how much the Jays value Jimenez. Good chance he makes it thru waivers if he doesn't make the team. And, if not, the Jays can find similar players to stash in AAA for infield depth. Lukes was such an important part of the 2025 team. Would be insulting to send him back to AAA.

Agree on all fronts. Similar as the decision to stash Yesavage in AAA to start the year. 

These are great business decisions, but terrible for player-relations and optics