The Toronto Blue Jays are predicted to trade away an impact player amidst the team’s active offseason.
Toronto focused on adding pitching, and on Saturday, the team signed Japanese free agent slugger Kazuma Okamoto. The Blue Jays are also interested in the likes of Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker, and if the team signs one, it could mean someone on the roster has to be traded.
Blue Jays analyst Jackson Roberts of SI predicts Toronto will trade fan-favorite hitter Davis Schneider.
“If Tucker comes to Toronto, there will be a major surplus of outfielders,” Roberts wrote. “Daulton Varsho isn’t going anywhere as the center fielder, George Springer will still play the field on occasion, and Addison Barger, Anthony Santander, Nathan Lukes, Myles Straw, Joey Loperfido, and Schneider are all still in the mix.
“Schneider is mostly a platoon player for the Blue Jays. But there may be a team out there that believes he can be more. Signing Tucker essentially eliminates a platoon spot, as the four-time All-Star would play every day, so the 26-year-old Schneider would maximize his utility as a trade piece.”
Schneider is a fan-favorite slugger who’s a versatile player who can play in the outfield as well as second base. The soon-to-be 27-year-old could be a trade candidate as Toronto has to clear some roster spots, and several teams would be interested in him, who can be a platoon player.
Schneider hit .234 with 11 home runs and 31 RBIs last season with the Blue Jays.
Blue Jays Remain Interested in Impact Bat
Toronto has been very aggressive this offseason, and the team may not be done.
The Blue Jays have continued to be linked to Tucker and Bichette, and Blue Jays insider Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet said the team will remain in those markets.
“It’s reasonable to expect the Blue Jays to stay informed on Tucker and Bichette in case there’s alignment on a deal,” Nicholson-Smith wrote. “This front office is extremely thorough in considering its options. At the same time, the Blue Jays have already outspent every team in baseball while landing four of the top 15 free agents to sign thus far. At some point, other teams will have more glaring needs and may be more motivated to spend big.
“Take the Mets, who have Tyrone Taylor and Carson Benge projected as outfield starters. Their need for Tucker is greater than Toronto’s right now, and it’s possible the teams’ bids will reflect that. Bottom line, the Blue Jays may be more likely to lurk than lead a bidding war right now. We’ll learn more on Tuesday when Atkins addresses the media for the first time since the Winter Meetings.”
It’s clear after reaching the World Series last year, Toronto is going all-in in 2026 and beyond.
Schneider’s Future Uncertain
Schneider has become a fan-favorite in Toronto due to his underdog story.
The Blue Jays selected Schneider in the 28th round of the 2017 MLB Draft, and he grinded his way to the majors. He’s become a solid hitter in the majors. Blue Jays analyst Tom Dakers of BlueBirdBanter admitted he wasn’t sure if Schneider has a future in Toronto.
“He’s in a bit of a tough spot, playing on a team that can add free agents. And has a couple of guys, Clement and Barger, who play (more or less) the same spots that he does and who the team likes better. … He’s got 252 MLB games under his belt,” Dakers wrote. “Four years ago, I’d never have guessed that would happen. Guys with power get lots of chances; he’ll continue to get them. I’m not sure if it will be with the Jays.”
But, for now, Schneider will enter spring training looking to earn a 26-man roster spot.
Blue Jays Predicted to Trade Fan-Favorite Hitter Amidst Active Offseason