Opening Day is just over a week away and the Toronto Blue Jays still have a few unfilled spots on their roster. The Blue Jays’ full-time catcher will be Alejandro Kirk but who will be his primary backup behind the plate? Tyler Heineman has the edge at this point, but Christian Bethancourt has been making his presence known in camp, putting up competition with Heineman for the backup spot. In addition, Addison Barger is fighting for a roster spot this season alongside Leo Jiménez. Both are competing for potential roles as utility players/infielders.
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Backup Catcher
Heineman is no stranger to the Blue Jays lineup, as he is now in his third stint with them dating back to 2022. Heineman is a 33-year-old backstop who initially signed with the Blue Jays before that season. As of now, Heineman has the competitive edge over the 33-year-old Bethancourt to be the main backup. Bethancourt has recorded three hits and four RBI in camp this season across 14 at-bats. Heineman has recorded three hits, two RBIs, and a stolen base across 18 at-bats in camp.
Bethancourt has been identified as a solid backup, as he’s provided stability and consistency in that role during his career. His defensive skills make him a steady backstop while also effectively framing pitches. He can also contribute as a solid hitter. In addition, he provides versatility as he can also play in the infield and outfield, and even has some experience pitching. His experience in the majors playing for six different teams has given him a keen feel for situations with added pressure. Last season with the Chicago Cubs, Bethancourt was successful in a brief stint, sporting a .407 batting average and going yard three times with 15 RBI across 11 games.
Heineman carries the added benefit of being a switch-hitter. He is also known for hitting the ball around all areas of the field and has good discipline at the plate. This is reflected in his tendency to not strike out often. Like Bethancourt, he has been a steady backup catcher for several teams in his career.
Barger Vs. Jiménez
Both Barger and Jiménez are competing for a spot on the roster through a utility role or in the infield. Barger remains favored as of now for the offense he can provide in addition to being able to play both in the infield and outfield. Meanwhile, Jiménez possesses strong on-base skills and is a strong defensive shortstop. The Blue Jays are not a team currently lacking in infield depth. They have players such as Orelvis Martinez, Will Wagner, Davis Schneider, Andrés Giménez, Ernie Clement, and Bo Bichette.
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Among these players, Martinez, Wagner, Schneider, and Clement are also looking to secure their spots on the roster. It appears as though Jiménez could start the season in the minors (Triple-A) considering the amount of depth that the team has with infielders. Looking at both players, Barger inevitably has the upper hand with his time spent in the majors last season, and the versatility and offensive spark he provides. Barger has also put up impressive camp numbers this season, recording 10 hits, a stolen base, two home runs, and five RBI with a .370 batting average. Jiménez is hitting only .160 (4-for-32) with a .584 OPS this spring, so the edge appears to go to Barger.
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