Getty
Blue Jays outfielder could be a surprise this season.
The Toronto Blue Jays‘ 26-man roster is practically set, but there could be some surprises.
Spring training is a time for some prospects or fringe players to earn a roster spot or put themselves in a position to get called up if there’s an injury. Last season, it was Alen Roden who cracked Toronto’s Opening Day roster. This year, another outfielder could earn playing time.
Although the Blue Jays outfield seems crowded, analyst Mitch Bannon of The Athletic believes 25-year-old prospect RJ Schreck could be someone to watch in spring training.
“I’d say RJ Schreck is the position player to watch in spring training,” Bannon wrote of a surprise player who could crack the roster. “Barring a trade or injury, he will play big league games for the Jays this year, it’s just a question of when. The 25-year-old did nothing but hit last year, posting a .395 on-base percentage and .854 OPS across four levels.
“Schreck has the best plate discipline in the system, swinging at just 21.7 percent of pitches outside the zone in Triple-A last year. For context, Roden, who was also lauded for his vision, chased 31.3 percent of pitches last year. That zone talent, alone, should give Schreck a path onto the 40-man.”
Schreck played in four levels last season, from Rookie Ball to Triple-A, and hit the ball well. The 25-year-old hit .249 with 18 home runs and 53 RBIs last season between the four levels.
Schreck is a Top Blue Jays Prospect
Toronto acquired Schreck from the Seattle Mariners at the trade deadline in 2024 for Justin Turner. The deal has worked out well for the Blue Jays.
Schreck has continued to develop well and is considered a ‘Blue Jays hitter’ by MLB Pipeline.
“Schreck is a heady hitter who puts together excellent game plans. Which shows in his advanced plate approach from the left side,” the article wrote. “… Consider Schreck another very “Blue Jays-style” hitter, adding to a long line of hitting prospects with advanced plate approaches. He hit right-handed pitching very well in ’24, which would represent a path to the big leagues.”
Although Schreck still has some things to work on, his defense and contact are solid, which will lead him to eventually earn an MLB call-up.
“Schreck is a fundamentally sound outfielder who won’t be a problem defensively and is a fine athlete, so he’s working with a strong baseline skill set if one or more of his tools can truly pop,” the article added.
Schreck was selected in the ninth round of the 2023 MLB Draft by Seattle.
Toronto Still in on Tucker
One reason why Schreck may not get MLB time this season is if Toronto signs Kyle Tucker.
The Blue Jays’ outfield is already crowded, and if the team signs Tucker, it would only add to it. But, Toronto remains heavily interested in bringing in the star hitter.
“The Blue Jays remain among the favorites for Tucker. With the Yankees, Mets, and Dodgers also in the mix,” MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand wrote on Sunday.
Tucker hit .266 with 22 home runs and 73 RBIs last season.
Cole Shelton Cole Shelton covers the NHL, MLB and Cleveland Browns for Heavy.com. He has covered pro and college sports since 2016, including bylines at BJ Penn, USA Today, SB Nation, Rotowire, Canadian Baseball Network and more. More about Cole Shelton
More Heavy on Blue Jays
Loading more stories