Brett Bateman Changed the Blue Jays’ Offseason Priorities

Now, the big question here is how much Bateman’s performance could change the Blue Jays’ approach heading into the offseason. Will they consider their problems in center field solved, move Bateman or be cautious with their projections for a full season as a starter?

All of the questions make some sense, largely because Toronto should not measure its future by a sample of 172 plate appearances and only 38 games. Now, although some of the expected statistics do not favor Bateman when it comes to expecting his numbers to hold up over the long term, there is no doubt that his game fits the philosophy of these Blue Jays.

Toronto’s offense has stood out—even with its injuries this season—for its consistency in contact and, heading into 2027, if there is something they need, it is to find better consistency in that sense and add power.

It is never too early to discuss all of this, and I don’t think Bateman can sustain that offensive line when the league has a better plan against him and more plate appearances accumulate, especially as Toronto’s leadoff hitter. But I also have no doubts that he has the skills to hit and survive strikeouts, in addition to contributing with his speed and defense.

Bateman Changes the Value of the Pieces Toronto Already Has

If we talk about what Toronto has, and not what it should look for, Bateman also fits into the equation. Baseball Savant’s defensive metrics reveal it. Among all of Toronto’s outfielders, I would say Myles Straw has been the most flexible and balanced outfielder when it comes to doing his job: his defense is elite, he contributes on the basepaths and possesses a great defensive ability to record outs. Straw has provided value as a starter and a bench player without losing the impact of his abilities.

Lukes has provided more defensive value, leading the group of outfielders with 2.1 fWAR and +8 FRV (Fielding Run Value), and his bat maintained the usual contact that it tends to produce. In contrast, Bateman brings a combination that, before August, the Blue Jays did not have among their best options for center field following Varsho’s departure: above-average offensive production without sacrificing defensive value in the lineup. And in that sense, I don’t think we need to project the 133 wRC+ mark over a full season, because it is clear that Bateman has the tools to provide a different profile from Straw and Lukes.

That could be much more important than deciding who will be the center fielder in the future. If Bateman is considered a real piece for 2027, then Toronto could try to complete its outfield with the return of Addison Barger and the presence of Anthony Santander, who missed the entire 2026 season.

So that could be Bateman’s role, becoming the starting center fielder, while Straw and Lukes would continue contributing with their respective potential.

If George Springer does not return to the team, Santander should be the designated hitter, while Lukes moves to left field and Barger returns to right field. Bateman would complete the defensive alignment in center field and as the leadoff hitter, which could offer great expectations for the Blue Jays, especially if each of them stays healthy.