The Blue Jays enter spring training with most everyday positions seemingly secured, projecting stability across the lineup and defensive alignment.
Mar 21, 2025; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jose Berríos (17) leaves the game against the Philadelphia Phillies in the sixth inning during spring training at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Catching, infield anchors, and primary outfield roles appear largely settled before the first exhibition pitch is thrown.
That illusion of certainty fades quickly when examining the remaining roster margins.
Three areas stand out as genuine battlegrounds: the back of the rotation, the bullpen hierarchy, and the final bench spots.
The rotation’s top tier feels immovable, anchored by Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, and Dylan Cease.
Beyond them, competition intensifies for the fourth and fifth starting roles.
Cody Ponce arrives fresh off a dominant KBO campaign, carrying intrigue and unfamiliar projection.
Trey Yesavage’s postseason heroics elevated expectations, creating pressure to translate October flashes into regular-season reliability.
José Berríos seeks redemption, aiming to reclaim consistency after uneven stretches derailed prior momentum.
Eric Lauer quietly impressed in limited opportunities last season, strengthening his case for meaningful innings.
Bowden Francis remains a wildcard, capable of dominance but searching for sustained control.
Whoever loses this rotation fight likely shifts into bullpen contention immediately.
That spillover makes the relief corps even more unpredictable.
Jeff Hoffman, Louis Varland, and Tyler Rogers appear secure, but little else feels guaranteed.
Veterans returning from injury must reestablish reliability in a bullpen built on volatility.
Young arms who thrived in postseason moments must prove sustainability across six months.
Chase Lee’s arrival introduces another variable into an already crowded late-inning mix.
Failed starters may transition into relief, intensifying internal competition further.
The bench battle carries a different kind of emotional tension.
Several contributors from last year’s World Series run hope loyalty outweighs new challengers.
Yet performance rarely yields to sentiment once camp competition begins.
Joey Loperfido’s offensive surge demands attention in a crowded depth chart.
Leo Jiménez offers defensive versatility that managers quietly prioritize during long seasons.
Jonatan Clase brings speed that changes games without requiring everyday at-bats.
Spring training may look routine on the surface.
But beneath the calm, roster pressure simmers in three distinct areas.
For a team built to contend immediately, these battles are not developmental exercises.
They are decisions that could quietly shape Toronto’s entire 2026 trajectory.
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