Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training standout Eloy Jimenez drew some high praise for his solid camp.
Jimenez joined the Jays, hoping to rekindle his career in Toronto. He showed up in great shape, hammering the ball to the tune of a .286/.333/.524 line, belting two dingers and four doubles in 45 at-bats.
That situation drew the attention of former MLB executive Steve Phillips. Phillips, now a broadcaster, touted Jimenez’s strong spring during an appearance on MLB Network. The former GM focused on how well Jimenez had hit the ball and his fantastic overall shape.
“He had a great spring. He swung the bat extremely well. He’s half the man he used to be, too, like he’s in great shape. He looks fantastic. And he’s slugged the ball all over the ballparks in Florida.”
Philips pointed out that Jimenez wasn’t a lock to make the Blue Jays out of camp. If he doesn’t, then the organization has a solid outfielder in the minors. As such, Jimenez could come up at some point and help the team, especially if injuries become an issue.
It’s worth pointing out that Jimenez had been on the decline following five seasons with the Chicago White Sox. His best season came in 2019 as a 22-year-old. He hit 31 home runs and racked up a 1.6 WAR.
His production slid after that. He last played in 2024, splitting time with the White Sox and Baltimore Orioles. He hit six homers and drove in 23 runs playing predominantly in a DH role.
Jimenez signed a minor-league deal with the Blue Jays back in January. He got a Spring Training invite after playing the entire 2025 season in the minors.
Blue Jays Assign Jimenez to Triple-A
Despite Jimenez’s overall impressive spring, the Blue Jays assigned the Dominican outfielder to Triple-A Buffalo on Monday.
The move was part of the team’s final roster cuts ahead of Wednesday’s official Opening Day roster submission.
Jimenez was unlikely to make the team out of camp, given the crowded outfield and limited DH at-bats. The team’s primary DH this season will be George Springer. Superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will likely see some at-bats at DH throughout the season as well.
As for outfield spots, it seems Jimenez lost to Jesus Sanchez, with Nathan Lukes and Myles Straw getting the fourth and fifth outfield spots to start the season.
Toronto Fans Could See Jimenez Sooner Than Later
Blue Jays fans shouldn’t write off Jimenez just yet. If he continues to swing the ball well in Triple-A, he could be back in the Majors sooner rather than later.
Sanchez is a bit of an unknown at this point. While he had a solid 2025 season with the Miami Marlins, the club may not be entirely sure he can replicate his 14 homers and 1.0 WAR this season.
Injuries should also play a role throughout the season. Unfortunately, that situation could open the door for the Blue Jays to recall Jimenez at some point. That all depends, of course, on Jimenez continuing to hit the ball well in the minors.
Blue Jays Jimenez Gets High Praise from Former MLB Exec