<p>Baseball (finally) returns this week. </p>
<p>Pitchers and catchers have already begun reporting across the sport for many teams, while the Toronto Blue Jays will officially kick things off in Dunedin, Fla., on Thursday. They will then hold their first full-squad workout at their player development complex next Tuesday, marking the beginning of spring training &#8212; and the negotiations deadline for franchise cornerstone Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</p>
<p>However, whether or not this organization will extend its biggest star isn&#8217;t the only intriguing storyline heading into camp, although it certainly carries the most significance. Since we&#8217;re exactly one week away from the club&#8217;s first full-squad workout, here are seven lingering questions (one for each day) regarding this roster before spring training begins.</p>
<h2>Will Blue Jays, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Beat The Buzzer?</h2>
<p>The Blue Jays and Guerrero&#8217;s camp are running thin on time to reach a long-term agreement before his self-imposed negotiations deadline, which takes effect one week from now. It remains to be seen if management can bridge the gap in contract talks between now and then. But plenty of incentive remains for both sides to resolve this situation before the clock strikes twelve.</p>
<p>None of the factors, mind you, have changed for either party in recent months. Guerrero still holds all the leverage, while Toronto&#8217;s front office would significantly benefit from extending its All-Star first baseman before he reaches free agency next winter.</p>
<p>By all accounts, it seems both sides remain committed to each other and toward extending their relationship beyond 2025, a resolution &#8212; if one is agreed to &#8212; expected to result in a $400-million-plus guarantee. They haven&#8217;t always been on the same page financially, leading to last year&#8217;s arbitration hearing. But they put that disagreement behind them ahead of last month&#8217;s salary-exchange deadline, avoiding arbitration with a one-year, $28.5-million deal.</p>
<p>As complex as negotiating an extension for Guerrero is, it&#8217;ll probably be<em> more shocking</em> if a deal isn&#8217;t reached by next Tuesday than if one is. It makes too much sense for it to not happen, and it&#8217;d also be the most effective way to silence any outside noise amidst a pivotal campaign for everyone involved.</p>
<h2>Another Big Bat Incoming?</h2>
<p>In addition to extending Guerrero, for Toronto to turn this off-season from a B+ to an A or A+, general manager Ross Atkins needs to fortify this lineup with another impact hitter before Opening Day.</p>
<p>The remaining free-agent market looks fairly bleak outside of Alex Bregman, who&#8217;s expected to command a six or seven-year deal worth around $200 million. There&#8217;s always a chance he signs with the Blue Jays, but the odds of that happening appear slim. So, unless management settles on a right-handed platoon such as Mark Canha or J.D. Martinez &#8212; both of whom excel versus left-handed pitching &#8212; any further additions probably have to come via trade.</p>
<p><a href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/ross-atkins-at-this-point-adding-to-the-team-would-most-likely-come-through-a-trade-for-the-blue-jays" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Atkins alluded to that outcome when asked about this subject</a> during Max Scherzer&#8217;s introductory Zoom call last week. Plus, with an organizational logjam between triple-A and the majors forming, trading from their infield and/or outfield depth could address two roster concerns with a single move.</p>
<p>Whether they acquire Jesús Sánchez, Lane Thomas, Taylor Ward, Lars Nootbaar or someone else, the Blue Jays must continue adding to their core group of Guerrero, Santander and Bichette.</p>
<h2>What About A Left-Handed Reliever?</h2>
<p>Toronto&#8217;s bullpen is in much better shape entering spring training than compared to the start of the off-season. Still, even after procuring Jeff Hoffman and Nick Sandlin and re-signing Yimi García, the &#8216;pen could use an upgrade over Brendon Little as its primary lefty specialist as a finishing touch.</p>
<p>Andrew Chafin is, by far, the best left-handed reliever still available, followed by Jalen Beeks and Brooks Raley. David Robertson would be an appealing option, too, despite throwing right-handed. The 40-year-old posted excellent reverse splits last season, with lefties hitting just .145 against him and recording a 27.5-per-cent strikeout-to-walk rate difference &#8212; fueled by his cutter, which <a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/pitch-arsenal-stats?type=pitcher&amp;pitchType=FC&amp;year=2024&amp;team=&amp;min=150" target="_blank" rel="noopener">finished third in run value (19) for that pitch in the majors.</a></p>
<h2>Who Plays Third Base?</h2>
<p>Assuming Bregman signs elsewhere, the most likely scenario would be for Ernie Clement to open this season as Toronto&#8217;s primary third baseman, considering he&#8217;s coming off a career year that included a 2.2 fWAR, with most of his value originating from his defence on the left side of the infield.</p>
<p>At the hot corner, in particular, Clement registered nine defensive runs saved and three outs above average across 661 innings. Despite his limited workload, he still placed fourth among qualified big-league third basemen (min. 250 innings) in DRS, behind Ke&#8217;Bryan Hayes (10), Ryan McMahon (10) and former Blue Jay Matt Chapman (17) &#8212; with the final two logging twice as many innings.</p>
<p>Addison Barger will also likely earn reps at third base in 2025 &#8212; if he isn&#8217;t packaged together in a deal for an impact bat before the regular season begins. Entering his final option year, it&#8217;s a critical season for the left-handed-hitting slugger, who, if he stays put, could serve as a platoon option against right-handed pitching.</p>
<p>The Blue Jays could occasionally deploy Andrés Giménez at third, too. While he&#8217;ll primarily play second, moving him across the diamond to the hot corner &#8212; where he hasn&#8217;t played since 2020 and features just 34 career innings of major league experience &#8212; would open up at-bats on the right side for the likes of Will Wagner, Leo Jiménez, Davis Schneider and others.</p>
<h2>Is The Backup Catcher Job Tyler Heineman&#8217;s To Lose?</h2>
<p>Addressing the backup catcher spot behind Alejandro Kirk wasn&#8217;t a top priority for Toronto this winter, and rightly so. The front office had more pressing needs elsewhere on the roster, which meant locating a 1B to Kirk as the 1A had to be put aside. But, the consequence of doing that has left Heineman as the only other backstop on the 40-man roster.</p>
<p>Since the 33-year-old &#8212; a career .212 hitter who owns a 65 wRC+ (100 league average) &#8212; is out of options, he&#8217;s likely the front-runner to begin this season as Kirk&#8217;s backup. He will, however, face competition from a handful of non-roster invitees, including Christian Bethancourt, Ali Sánchez, Phil Clarke and Matt Whatley.</p>
<p>Of that group, Bethancourt probably has the best chance to overtake Heineman in camp as someone who effectively controls the running game and features a sometimes-potent power stroke. At the same time, it&#8217;ll likely take a convincing performance this spring for him or anyone to necessitate a roster move.</p>
<h2>Where Does Will Wagner Fit?</h2>
<p>This remains one of the biggest mysteries regarding Toronto&#8217;s roster as spring training nears.</p>
<p>The Giménez trade has essentially put Wagner&#8217;s role in limbo heading into this season, leaving the 26-year-old without a regular position &#8212; or any position, for that matter. Could he be used as trade bait? Sure, that&#8217;s certainly a possibility. The left-handed-hitting infielder would be highly coveted via trade following last season&#8217;s impressive debut and the fact that he&#8217;s under club control through 2030.</p>
<p>If Wagner isn&#8217;t dealt, though, he&#8217;ll be converted into a Cavan Biggio-type utility player &#8212; probably minus the outfield deployment. That&#8217;d be a way to keep his bat in the lineup versus righties, which he slashed .344/.375/.492 against with a 149 wRC+ following his MLB debut.</p>
<p>Long term, however, Wagner&#8217;s role remains uncertain.</p>
<h2>Could Yariel Rodríguez Begin This Season As A Starter?</h2>
<p>The Blue Jays plan to stretch Rodríguez out as a starter this spring, which makes perfect sense after adding Scherzer to an already-veteran-laden rotation. He&#8217;ll compete for the final starter&#8217;s spot alongside Bowden Francis, who&#8217;s regarded as the favourite in that race, based on the 1.53 ERA and 3.42 FIP he posted while dominating over his final nine starts to conclude last season.</p>
<p>Rodríguez, who made 21 starts in 2024 but is better suited for the bullpen, could remain in the rotation post-spring training if Toronto opts to roll with a six-man rotation to provide its starters an extra day of rest during the schedule&#8217;s opening month. He could also be called upon during spot starts to help manage Scherzer&#8217;s workload during his age-40 campaign.</p>
<p>In any case, the native of Cuba figures to offer plenty of versatility during his second season in North America.</p>
<h2>[Bonus Question]</h2>
<p><strong>Can Blue Jays Take Advantage Of Remaining SP Market? </strong></p>
<p>Several notable starting pitchers remain unsigned this late into the winter, potentially presenting a unique opportunity for teams with money to spend, like the Blue Jays. They&#8217;ve avoided serious pitching injuries in previous seasons, which has helped minimize the organization&#8217;s awful history of developing pitching success stories.</p>
<p>The addition of Jake Bloss and the emergence of Adam Macko should help if Toronto&#8217;s pitching health proves unsustainable in 2025. But, when experienced arms like Spencer Turnbull, Cal Quantrill, Chris Flexen, Lance Lynn, Ross Stripling, Jakob Junis, Anthony DeSclafani, and Kyle Hart are all still available, it wouldn&#8217;t hurt to add an extra layer of protection.</p>

Baseball (finally) returns this week. 

Pitchers and catchers have already begun reporting across the sport for many teams, while the Toronto Blue Jays will officially kick things off in Dunedin, Fla., on Thursday. They will then hold their first full-squad workout at their player development complex next Tuesday, marking the beginning of spring training -- and the negotiations deadline for franchise cornerstone Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

However, whether or not this organization will extend its biggest star isn't the only intriguing storyline heading into camp, although it certainly carries the most significance. Since we're exactly one week away from the club's first full-squad workout, here are seven lingering questions (one for each day) regarding this roster before spring training begins.
<h2>Will Blue Jays, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Beat The Buzzer?</h2>
The Blue Jays and Guerrero's camp are running thin on time to reach a long-term agreement before his self-imposed negotiations deadline, which takes effect one week from now. It remains to be seen if management can bridge the gap in contract talks between now and then. But plenty of incentive remains for both sides to resolve this situation before the clock strikes twelve.

None of the factors, mind you, have changed for either party in recent months. Guerrero still holds all the leverage, while Toronto's front office would significantly benefit from extending its All-Star first baseman before he reaches free agency next winter.

By all accounts, it seems both sides remain committed to each other and toward extending their relationship beyond 2025, a resolution -- if one is agreed to -- expected to result in a $400-million-plus guarantee. They haven't always been on the same page financially, leading to last year's arbitration hearing. But they put that disagreement behind them ahead of last month's salary-exchange deadline, avoiding arbitration with a one-year, $28.5-million deal.

As complex as negotiating an extension for Guerrero is, it'll probably be<em> more shocking</em> if a deal isn't reached by next Tuesday than if one is. It makes too much sense for it to not happen, and it'd also be the most effective way to silence any outside noise amidst a pivotal campaign for everyone involved.
<h2>Another Big Bat Incoming?</h2>
In addition to extending Guerrero, for Toronto to turn this off-season from a B+ to an A or A+, general manager Ross Atkins needs to fortify this lineup with another impact hitter before Opening Day.

The remaining free-agent market looks fairly bleak outside of Alex Bregman, who's expected to command a six or seven-year deal worth around $200 million. There's always a chance he signs with the Blue Jays, but the odds of that happening appear slim. So, unless management settles on a right-handed platoon such as Mark Canha or J.D. Martinez -- both of whom excel versus left-handed pitching -- any further additions probably have to come via trade.

<a href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/ross-atkins-at-this-point-adding-to-the-team-would-most-likely-come-through-a-trade-for-the-blue-jays" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Atkins alluded to that outcome when asked about this subject</a> during Max Scherzer's introductory Zoom call last week. Plus, with an organizational logjam between triple-A and the majors forming, trading from their infield and/or outfield depth could address two roster concerns with a single move.

Whether they acquire Jesús Sánchez, Lane Thomas, Taylor Ward, Lars Nootbaar or someone else, the Blue Jays must continue adding to their core group of Guerrero, Santander and Bichette.
<h2>What About A Left-Handed Reliever?</h2>
Toronto's bullpen is in much better shape entering spring training than compared to the start of the off-season. Still, even after procuring Jeff Hoffman and Nick Sandlin and re-signing Yimi García, the 'pen could use an upgrade over Brendon Little as its primary lefty specialist as a finishing touch.

Andrew Chafin is, by far, the best left-handed reliever still available, followed by Jalen Beeks and Brooks Raley. David Robertson would be an appealing option, too, despite throwing right-handed. The 40-year-old posted excellent reverse splits last season, with lefties hitting just .145 against him and recording a 27.5-per-cent strikeout-to-walk rate difference -- fueled by his cutter, which <a href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/pitch-arsenal-stats?type=pitcher&amp;pitchType=FC&amp;year=2024&amp;team=&amp;min=150" target="_blank" rel="noopener">finished third in run value (19) for that pitch in the majors.</a>
<h2>Who Plays Third Base?</h2>
Assuming Bregman signs elsewhere, the most likely scenario would be for Ernie Clement to open this season as Toronto's primary third baseman, considering he's coming off a career year that included a 2.2 fWAR, with most of his value originating from his defence on the left side of the infield.

At the hot corner, in particular, Clement registered nine defensive runs saved and three outs above average across 661 innings. Despite his limited workload, he still placed fourth among qualified big-league third basemen (min. 250 innings) in DRS, behind Ke'Bryan Hayes (10), Ryan McMahon (10) and former Blue Jay Matt Chapman (17) -- with the final two logging twice as many innings.

Addison Barger will also likely earn reps at third base in 2025 -- if he isn't packaged together in a deal for an impact bat before the regular season begins. Entering his final option year, it's a critical season for the left-handed-hitting slugger, who, if he stays put, could serve as a platoon option against right-handed pitching.

The Blue Jays could occasionally deploy Andrés Giménez at third, too. While he'll primarily play second, moving him across the diamond to the hot corner -- where he hasn't played since 2020 and features just 34 career innings of major league experience -- would open up at-bats on the right side for the likes of Will Wagner, Leo Jiménez, Davis Schneider and others.
<h2>Is The Backup Catcher Job Tyler Heineman's To Lose?</h2>
Addressing the backup catcher spot behind Alejandro Kirk wasn't a top priority for Toronto this winter, and rightly so. The front office had more pressing needs elsewhere on the roster, which meant locating a 1B to Kirk as the 1A had to be put aside. But, the consequence of doing that has left Heineman as the only other backstop on the 40-man roster.

Since the 33-year-old -- a career .212 hitter who owns a 65 wRC+ (100 league average) -- is out of options, he's likely the front-runner to begin this season as Kirk's backup. He will, however, face competition from a handful of non-roster invitees, including Christian Bethancourt, Ali Sánchez, Phil Clarke and Matt Whatley.

Of that group, Bethancourt probably has the best chance to overtake Heineman in camp as someone who effectively controls the running game and features a sometimes-potent power stroke. At the same time, it'll likely take a convincing performance this spring for him or anyone to necessitate a roster move.
<h2>Where Does Will Wagner Fit?</h2>
This remains one of the biggest mysteries regarding Toronto's roster as spring training nears.

The Giménez trade has essentially put Wagner's role in limbo heading into this season, leaving the 26-year-old without a regular position -- or any position, for that matter. Could he be used as trade bait? Sure, that's certainly a possibility. The left-handed-hitting infielder would be highly coveted via trade following last season's impressive debut and the fact that he's under club control through 2030.

If Wagner isn't dealt, though, he'll be converted into a Cavan Biggio-type utility player -- probably minus the outfield deployment. That'd be a way to keep his bat in the lineup versus righties, which he slashed .344/.375/.492 against with a 149 wRC+ following his MLB debut.

Long term, however, Wagner's role remains uncertain.
<h2>Could Yariel Rodríguez Begin This Season As A Starter?</h2>
The Blue Jays plan to stretch Rodríguez out as a starter this spring, which makes perfect sense after adding Scherzer to an already-veteran-laden rotation. He'll compete for the final starter's spot alongside Bowden Francis, who's regarded as the favourite in that race, based on the 1.53 ERA and 3.42 FIP he posted while dominating over his final nine starts to conclude last season.

Rodríguez, who made 21 starts in 2024 but is better suited for the bullpen, could remain in the rotation post-spring training if Toronto opts to roll with a six-man rotation to provide its starters an extra day of rest during the schedule's opening month. He could also be called upon during spot starts to help manage Scherzer's workload during his age-40 campaign.

In any case, the native of Cuba figures to offer plenty of versatility during his second season in North America.
<h2>[Bonus Question]</h2>
<strong>Can Blue Jays Take Advantage Of Remaining SP Market? </strong>

Several notable starting pitchers remain unsigned this late into the winter, potentially presenting a unique opportunity for teams with money to spend, like the Blue Jays. They've avoided serious pitching injuries in previous seasons, which has helped minimize the organization's awful history of developing pitching success stories.

The addition of Jake Bloss and the emergence of Adam Macko should help if Toronto's pitching health proves unsustainable in 2025. But, when experienced arms like Spencer Turnbull, Cal Quantrill, Chris Flexen, Lance Lynn, Ross Stripling, Jakob Junis, Anthony DeSclafani, and Kyle Hart are all still available, it wouldn't hurt to add an extra layer of protection.

Seven lingering questions ahead of Blue Jays’ first full-squad workout

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette (11) collides with Boston Red Sox second baseman Kristian Campbell (28) after turning a double play at second base and at first base against first baseman Triston Casas (not pictured) to end the fifth inning at Rogers Centre.

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