Toronto Blue Jays: Depth Issues and How to Address Them
The Toronto Blue Jays have emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the American League in recent years, with a young and talented roster that’s become a consistent contender for playoff spots. However, despite the team’s strength in several areas, there are notable weaknesses when it comes to depth. For a team with World Series aspirations, depth is often the difference between making a deep playoff run and falling short. As the 2025 season approaches, three key positions where the Blue Jays’ depth is lacking include starting pitching, the infield, and the bullpen. Let’s dive into these areas and explore how the Blue Jays can shore them up for sustained success.
The starting rotation has long been a focal point of the Blue Jays’ success, with aces like Alek Manoah and Kevin Gausman anchoring the staff. However, the team’s depth behind these two has been a source of concern. After Manoah and Gausman, the Blue Jays lack a consistent third option to pair with their top starters, and injuries or inconsistencies among the rest of the rotation can create uncertainty, especially in the demanding AL East.
Jose Berríos, once considered a reliable top-of-the-rotation arm, has shown signs of vulnerability, particularly with his control and consistency. Additionally, the team’s reliance on players like Yusei Kikuchi, who has shown flashes of brilliance but has been wildly inconsistent, creates a scenario where Toronto could be exposed in the event of injuries or poor performances down the stretch.
While the Blue Jays have talented pitchers in their farm system, like Ricky Tiedemann and others, they are still developing and may not be ready to contribute at the MLB level in a meaningful way for another season or two. If the Blue Jays are to contend for a title, they need a more reliable and experienced option at the back end of their rotation.
To improve starting pitching depth, the Blue Jays should focus on acquiring a veteran starting pitcher, preferably someone who can be a solid third or fourth option. This pitcher would need to be a consistent performer who has experience pitching in high-leverage games, especially down the stretch in a playoff race. The team could target pitchers who are nearing free agency or teams that might be looking to trade surplus starting pitchers.
Additionally, the Blue Jays should continue to develop their internal options and provide a clear path for their younger pitchers to get big-league experience. Ricky Tiedemann, one of the top pitching prospects, has a high ceiling, but the organization must carefully manage his development to ensure he’s ready when called upon. The Blue Jays could also explore moving Kikuchi to a long-reliever role if he struggles to maintain a starting spot, which would provide the team with more flexibility and depth.
The Blue Jays boast a strong infield core, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Matt Chapman forming the heart of the team’s defense and offense. However, the depth behind these star players is somewhat lacking, particularly at second base and shortstop. While Santiago Espinal has been serviceable as a utility infielder, he is more of a defensive specialist and lacks the offensive firepower to consistently contribute. Similarly, the team has relied on more journeyman-type players to fill in when injuries arise.
Injuries to key players in the infield can quickly deplete the Blue Jays’ lineup. For instance, Bichette’s injury history has raised concerns, and while Cavan Biggio is a versatile option, he has not consistently delivered offensively. Toronto needs to ensure they have a reliable backup at each infield position to prevent a major drop-off in production, especially in the event of a long-term injury to one of their key players.
The Blue Jays should look to add an experienced, versatile infielder who can step in and start if needed. This player should be capable of playing multiple positions, including second base and shortstop, and ideally provide some offensive upside. A veteran infielder with a solid track record of hitting for average or getting on base could help stabilize the lineup in case of injuries. Players like that would not only provide depth but also give manager John Schneider options for matchups during the course of the season.
Additionally, Toronto could look to promote from within its farm system. Prospects like Orelvis Martínez and Addison Barger have the potential to provide some depth. Martínez, in particular, is a top prospect who has demonstrated both power and the ability to play multiple infield positions. However, he may need more development before taking on a regular role at the major league level. By continuing to monitor and develop these prospects, the Blue Jays can ensure they have a solid infield pipeline to supplement their current roster.
A consistently strong bullpen is crucial for any team with playoff aspirations, and while the Blue Jays have some key pieces in their relief corps, their bullpen depth remains an area of concern. Jordan Romano is one of the best closers in baseball, and Erik Swanson has been a solid acquisition, but beyond these two, there are question marks. The team’s middle-relief options can be shaky at times, and while pitchers like Yimi García and Adam Cimber provide solid innings, they are not always reliable when called upon in high-leverage situations.
The Blue Jays are also at risk of overusing their key relievers, which could lead to fatigue or injuries later in the season. Additionally, the lack of a strong left-handed option out of the bullpen could become problematic when facing left-handed heavy lineups in crucial situations, particularly in the postseason.
To strengthen bullpen depth, the Blue Jays should look to add another reliable, experienced arm to complement Romano and Swanson. Ideally, they should target a power pitcher who can handle high-leverage situations in the late innings. The team could also consider adding a left-handed reliever who can effectively neutralize left-handed hitters, giving the team a more complete and balanced bullpen.
Another option would be to explore the trade market for relief pitchers with experience in playoff races. Teams that are selling at the trade deadline might have reliable options that could step into key roles for Toronto. Additionally, keeping an eye on the waiver wire for potential breakout bullpen arms could also prove fruitful in adding depth.
Finally, the Blue Jays need to continue developing their internal bullpen options. Young pitchers like Nate Pearson and Gabriel Moreno have the potential to help at the major league level. Pearson’s velocity and stuff could make him a valuable asset in high-leverage spots, while Moreno’s ability to be a versatile weapon out of the pen can provide depth. Ensuring these young arms develop properly will add another layer of depth to the bullpen and allow the Blue Jays to avoid overusing their top relievers.
Conclusion
While the Toronto Blue Jays are undoubtedly a talented and promising team, depth remains a critical area where they need to improve if they are to reach the heights of a championship contender. Addressing the starting pitching depth, enhancing the infield depth, and solidifying the bullpen will be key to ensuring the Blue Jays can remain competitive over a full season, especially when injuries or slumps hit. By shoring up these areas, the Blue Jays can build a more balanced and resilient roster capable of making a deep playoff run in 2025 and beyond.
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