The Toronto Blue Jays made an intriguing minor league signing by bringing back former top prospect Eloy Jimenez.
Jimenez ended last season in Toronto’s organization, and he enjoyed his time enough to re-sign on a minor league deal, despite having some MLB interest from other teams. Yet, amidst his hot start to spring training, Jimenez may still not make the Blue Jays’ Opening Day roster.
However, Blue Jays insider Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet said Jimenez is fine being in Triple-A, and his deal doesn’t include an opt-out.
“His best position is in the batter’s box, really,” Zwelling said on At The Letters. “But yes, if they’re forcing him onto the roster like, yeah, maybe he’s a corner outfielder, maybe very occasionally first base. But I also don’t think they’re going to force him onto the roster.
“It’s my understanding that he doesn’t have an opt-out at the end of spring training, so hecan just go straight to Triple-A. And he told me he would go to Triple-A.”
Zwelling believes Jimenez is going to Triple-A, and he could make an impact on the Blue Jays later on in this season if there are some injuries. But, for now, despite his hot start to the season, Jimenez is likely to begin his season with the Buffalo Bisons in Triple-A.
Jimenez is hitting .391 with 1 home run and 2 RBIs in 23 at-bats in spring training.
Jimenez Was Close to Retiring Before Blue Jays Deal
Toronto’s signing of Jimenez in late August didn’t make major headlines last season, but that deal likely saved his career.
Jimenez is a former top prospect in all of baseball, and after a dominant rookie season, he struggled to replicate that success and had plenty of injuries. So, before he inked a deal with Toronto, Jimenez admitted he thought about retiring.
“I was in a battle with my head because of the injuries. It was like, I need to be healthy first, then try to prove myself. But it was really hard. You know that you can do it, but your body is not responding to what you know you can do,” Jimenez said to Sportsnet. “I was really, really close to retiring.”
Jimenez, meanwhile, said he’s learned a lot from his struggles and is excited to try to make the Blue Jays roster.
“You know, life is always a challenge that you need to face every time. And for me, there have been a lot of challenges. A lot of lessons. A lot to learn from,” Jimenez says. “It’s hard. Nobody wants to get hurt. Everybody wants to play a big part and produce for the team. But I’m just thanking God for giving me the opportunity to go through this process and learn from it. And now I’m just here to do my best.”
Jimenez was a Silver Slugger Award winner in 2020.
Manager Praises Jimenez
Jimenez has put his name firmly in the conversation to make the Opening Day roster amid his strong start to spring training.
If he can turn back the clock, Jimenez could be an impact hitter for the Blue Jays, and manager John Schneider said he’s starting to look like the old Eloy.
“The swing looks very reminiscent to a handful of years ago with Chicago,” Schneider says. “I just think he’s really healthy for the first time in a lot of years and he’s in tremendous physical shape.”
If Jimenez doesn’t make the roster, he seems more than fine going to Triple-A and waiting for his time.
Eloy Jimenez Gets Clear Update on Blue Jays Future Amid Hot Spring Training Start