How the potential return of Bo Bichette impacts the Blue Jays’ ALCS roster

Nathan Lukes and Davis Schneider performed admirably out of the two-spot in the lineup while platooning in left field against the Yankees, leaving no doubt that they will remain as integral parts moving forward. The only other two offensive players that could see themselves replaced on the ALCS appear to be Myles Straw or Anthony Santander. Straw seems like a sure bet to stay on the roster due to being the team’s top pinch-running option and for his ability to be a defensive upgrade late in games. He also took advantage of his trips to the plate in the ALDS, collecting two hits and a walk in six total plate appearances.

Santander could easily find himself on the outside looking in after amassing two singles in ten at-bats against New York. It is worth noting that he grinded out those at-bats, seeing almost seven pitches per plate appearances despite not having a whole lot to show for them.

The prized free agent acquisition has had a first season to forget in Toronto, battling injuries and ineffectiveness en route to a .565 OPS in just 54 regular-season games. In theory, he still provides the Blue Jays with a power bat off the bench, something the team may prioritize over IKF’s defensive versatility.

How does the lineup change with Bichette?

George Springer led off in each game of the ALDS, followed by the platoon of Lukes/Schneider in the two spot, Guerrero Jr. hitting third, and Alejandro Kirk hitting cleanup in all but one game.

Bichette spent the majority of his games hitting leadoff for the Jays in 2025 (82 out of 137), with cleanup being the only other spot where he drew significant starts (40) once Springer moved back up to his leadoff spot. One thing that the team may take into account is that Bichette was a far more productive hitter in the clean-up spot, producing a 1.008 OPS compared to a .726 mark while leading off.

Since the offense was clicking for the Blue Jays in the ALDS, keeping the plan the same for the 1-2-3 hitters in the lineup may be more desirable, especially considering the uncertainty of Bichette coming off a month-long absence. Slotting the Jays’ shortstop in the clean-up spot will allow him to focus on doing damage as opposed to table setting, where he wasn’t as effective this year. This would push Kirk, Varsho and others down a spot, lengthening the lineup in the process.

Does Bichette play the field?

It’s no secret that Bichette had his struggles defensively this year.

He ranked as the worst defensive shortstop in baseball among 22 qualified candidates, per Fangraphs. A knee injury may make it that much more unlikely that he returns to play the infield this year, especially considering how important a position shortstop is. Couple that with the fact that Andres Gimenez looked the part in his four games at the position against the Yankees, and there’s a strong chance that Bichette is a DH-only for the ALCS, pushing Springer to play the outfield.