With Opening Day soon approaching, the Toronto Blue Jays’ roster is emerging, but there remains a competition for the third base position. MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson outlined a mock-up of the Opening Day roster on Monday. All the other positions, for the most part, are set in stone. But when it comes to third base, the Blue Jays have multiple options they can turn to. The Blue Jays were part of the Alex Bregman sweepstakes in the offseason. While Bregman would have been an elite third baseman in Toronto, his impressive 1.240 OPS in his career at Fenway Park was hard to ignore.
But on the bright side, while the third base situation hasn’t been clearly defined, the Blue Jays have several options for the hot corner. Will the Blue Jays settle on one player for the position, or will they mix it up?
Blue Jays’ Third Base Situation Sparks Competition
The Blue Jays’ frontrunners for third base consist of Ernie Clement, Addison Barger, Will Wagner, and Orelvis Martinez. The discussion has even gone as far as considering Vladimir Guerrero Jr. But considering the Blue Jays’ lack of depth at first base, it’s unlikely that we would see him do significant time at third base. If we were to look at how the four youngsters rank in the position, it would be significant to consider how they performed last season as well as in camp this season.
Ernie Clement
Clement, among all the options, has the upper hand for the Blue Jays’ third base job. Last season, he bedazzled as the Blue Jays’ primary third baseman. His impressive skills were good enough to land him as a finalist for the Gold Glove Award. In addition to his defense, he also featured solid offense with a .692 OPS and a .263 batting average. Also, in spring training so far this season, he’s proven to be effective, recording 11 hits, two home runs, eight RBI, a stolen base, and a 1.175 OPS.
He also shown resiliency following an injury during camp, where he got hit by a pitch in the mouth. Following his return, he went yard with his first home run of the spring. His hustle, drive, and determination make him a prime candidate for the role. Clement also generated 3.4 wins above replacement for the Blue Jays last season, which was largely a result of his bonafide defense at third.
Addison Barger
It is apparent that Barger has beefed up and spent time gaining more muscle in the offseason. Barger has drawn interest as a possibility for third base, most prominently because of his arm strength and his raw power at the plate. Barger also has experience playing third in the minors, which indicates his potential at the position. His solid offensive abilities, along with his physical tools, make him a decent candidate for the role. But when it comes to his glove work skills, there is still some concern. He has a history of bobbling the ball, which has resulted in errors at third. In addition, his handwork has been highlighted as a flaw that has signaled him to potentially be better suited for an outfield position. In camp so far this season, Barger has recorded eight hits, two home runs, four RBIs, and a stolen base.
Will Wagner
Wagner made his MLB debut with the Blue Jays last season, and it didn’t take long for Toronto to be impressed by him. The promising young hitter provides versatility, as he can play all infield positions. He is considered radically sound as a defender because he’s showcased smart skills with how he situates himself on the field. But that versatility indicates that he functions better playing multiple positions in the infield compared to sticking with one role. At third base, his glove skills would be tested.
Wagner has experience playing third base in the minors while also playing 76 innings at the position last season. Also, he’s raised the bar offensively, coming into his own last season. His .305 batting average in 2024 across 82 at-bats was impressive. But his arm strength still has room for improvement, as well as his range and speed. Still, Wagner has put the time in at third base in his career since he was drafted by the Houston Astros in 2021, with 628 2/3 innings spent at the position. Wagner has also made some offensive noise in camp this season, recording five hits and four RBI.
Orelvis Martinez
Last but not least, we have Martinez. He is looking to rebound following his 2024 PED suspension that impacted his playing time. In camp this season, Martinez has recorded a home run, five hits, and three RBI. Martinez also exhibits versatility at different positions, mostly at shortstop and third base so far in his career. While his most experienced position is second base, Martinez’s arm strength and range would make him a suitable choice for third base. He showcases top-end power, which fans would love to witness this season. He can generate stand-out plays at third, but experience is not his main asset yet.
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