Five players using rest of 2024 to audition for '25

TORONTO -- It’s showcase season.

When the dust finally settles a week from now after the July 30 Trade Deadline, the Blue Jays won’t look the same. Players on expiring deals who could be dealt include a mix of MLB veterans and longtime Blue Jays, including Yusei Kikuchi, Yimi García, Danny Jansen, Justin Turner and Kevin Kiermaier.

The kids aren’t going anywhere, though, and with 60 games left on the schedule after Thursday’s dreadful 13-0 loss to the Rays, the competition for playing time -- even roster spots -- in 2025 has begun.

“A lot of these guys have done what they needed to do at the Triple-A level,” manager John Schneider said. “I’m watching their day to day work, their adjustments and how they go about it all. I wouldn’t say it’s a tryout camp, but it’s not like this is a September callup. These are games in the middle of the season. It’s more real. It’s a better snapshot.”

There’s no silver lining and no beauty to be found in where the Blue Jays stand, 46-56 just days before the Deadline, but they’ll still be playing teams who are contending. If nothing else, it’s a better backdrop to judge their next wave of players on than Spring Training games next March.

“Who’s doing what? How are they evolving? How are they adjusting to everything, their offense, their defense?” Schneider said. “Yes, you look ahead at how everyone fits. Some guys fit more permanently than others.”

Here’s who could help or hurt themselves in 2025 with how they perform over the final 60 games.

INF Leo Jiménez (No. 5 prospect)
There’s an ease to Jiménez. Forget his slick fielding and encouraging start at the plate, he just feels like he belongs in the big leagues when you speak with him and watch him move through his day.

“His personality has always fit in,” Schneider said, “and I think this year was good for him to not just enjoy Spring Training, but really feel like he was part of it and competing. He’s fit right in, which is pretty cool. He’s had that temperament since he’s been on the roster.”

Jiménez has already gotten 10 starts at shortstop with Bo Bichette out, and even though Isiah Kiner-Falefa will get some reps when he returns from the IL soon, the door should remain wide open for Jiménez. Remember, 2025 is Bichette’s last year of club control. Jiménez has a shot to show the Blue Jays he has the potential to be a starting shortstop in 2026 and beyond.

1B/2B Spencer Horwitz
Already one of the best stories of this dreadful 2024 season, Horwitz has changed the conversation entirely with his ability to play a solid second base. Yes, it feels like half this roster comes with the “also plays second base” tag, but Horwitz’s offensive upside is so attractive. If Horwitz keeps this up, we’ll be talking about him competing for a role as an everyday player when camp opens next February. He’s done everything possible to earn that so far.

3B/OF Addison Barger (No. 6 prospect)
Barger’s job down the stretch is to prove that he can adjust and handle MLB pitching. He’s batting just .148 with a .355 OPS and 19 strikeouts over 21 games, but it will be helpful to see Barger get a few weeks of near-everyday reps. He’s physically gifted and his chaotic style of play would make him an instant fan favorite if it all comes together, but Barger, more than Horwitz and Jiménez, needs to earn his spot in the 2025 conversation.

RHP Bowden Francis
Expect Francis to start one half of Monday’s doubleheader in Baltimore. He’s been excellent in two starts since returning to Triple-A, and while his cameo as a starter early this season with the Blue Jays didn’t go well, Francis could get 10 cracks down the stretch following the expected trade of Kikuchi. In an organization desperate for rotation depth, this is Francis’ big shot to prove that he’s capable of being more than a swingman.

LHP Brendon Little
With Tim Mayza gone, the door is wide open for a lefty to step up. Little has excellent stuff, it’s just a matter of fine-tuning it. He’s allowed just one run over his last 10 outings and could pitch in some higher-leverage spots following the expected García trade. Toronto’s bullpen will need multiple additions for 2025, so Little will have every opportunity to pitch his way into next year’s Spring Training competition as the Blue Jays try to catch lightning in a bottle.