CATCHER: Russell Martin returns as starter, but for how long? Luke Maile is the backup, that's not the issue. Danny Jansen is close, and with Max Pentecost exposed to the Rule 5 draft, Jansen's path is devoid of a possible obstacle.
INFIELD: Justin Smoak finally had the long-awaited breakout season. Can Devon Travis stay healthy? We know Troy Tulowitzki can't. Unless he is traded, Josh Donaldson will play third. Ryan Goins backs up both injury-prone middle men.
OUTFIELD: Kevin Pillar's glove keeps him in the lineup. After that, things are unclear. Steven Pearce is looking for a rebound season. Teoscar Hernandez got a decent look down the stretch. Ezequiel Carrera had a good first half but fizzled.
DESIGNATED HITTER: Kendrys Morales is one of the few designated hitters worth owning.
BENCH: When everyone is healthy, Goins and Carrera are reserves. Toronto may fortify their starters, pushing some of the above to the bench. Gift Ngoepe came over from Pittsburgh to help fortify the middle.
ROTATION: Steady Marcus Stroman is the staff anchor. J.A. Happ, Aaron Sanchez and Marco Estrada follow. Joe Biagini was groomed as a starter last season, showing enough to continue the transition.
BULLPEN: Roberto Osuna defeated some personal demons last season and should be one of the better closers. Ryan Tepera, Dominic Leone and Aaron Loup are part of a unspectacular, albeit useful group.
PROSPECTS TO WATCH: The two gems, both legacies, Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette are a ways away. Rowdy Tellez hasn't developed, and is blocked, but was protected from the Rule 5. Jansen was already discussed. Richard Urena got a September look and could be back. Lastly, if Anthony Alford has a good start in Triple-A, he may be called up.
POSSIBLE ACQUISITIONS: At one point, Donaldson was on the block but that buzz has quieted. If the Jays feel they can compete, look for a bat to be brought in to replace Jose Bautista. Some rotation depth is also possible.
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