Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins hosted his end-of-year press conference earlier this week and addressed the team’s disappointing season. Less than a year after reaching the World Series, Toronto finished last in the American League East.
A lot of the problems began with injuries. Two players who were expected to be key parts of the outfield played just nine games total between them, those two being Addison Barger and Anthony Santander.
The Blue Jays were used to playing without Santander, who missed all of 2026 and most of 2025, but Barger missing most of the season was a huge blow. In 2025, Barger broke out posting a .243 batting average, .301 on-base percentage, .756 OPS, 21 home runs and 74 RBIs.
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When Atkins spoke about Santander, he said the club plans on him preparing to play outfield full-time next season, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. That is a big decision considering Toronto’s primary designated hitter, George Springer, is entering unrestricted free agency with an uncertain future.
With Santander returning to his usual corner outfield spot in right field, the Blue Jays have a decision to make involving Barger.
His usual spot was right field in 2025, and with Santander playing there, Barger could potentially move back to third base. However, the Blue Jays have Kazuma Okamoto there.
The more logical option would be moving Santander to left field and keeping Barger in right, but that is not guaranteed given that Santander has historically been better in right field.
The Blue Jays could rotate Okamoto, Barger and Santander as they see fit, but it will be a decision for manager John Schneider regardless of what players they add this offseason.
Barger has a cannon for an arm, but after he underwent right arm surgery, moving him to the infield even for a few games per week could actually help his recovery progress better throughout 2027.
