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Toronto Blue Jays Season Preview: Outfield with strong potential

By David Morassutti

TORONTO, ON - JULY 1: A general view of Rogers Centre as a large Canadian flag is unfurled in the outfield on Canada Day during the playing of the Canadian national anthem before the start of the Toronto Blue Jays MLB game against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre on July 1, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JULY 1: A general view of Rogers Centre as a large Canadian flag is unfurled in the outfield on Canada Day during the playing of the Canadian national anthem before the start of the Toronto Blue Jays MLB game against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre on July 1, 2017 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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After previewing the Toronto Blue Jays starting rotation, we look at what to expect from the outfield this season after an offseason makeover.

The outfield had an underwhelming 2017 season for the Toronto Blue Jays and they are hoping two new additions will be the difference this year.

It has been discussed how much outfield depth the organization has in the minors especially in Triple-A, with Teoscar Hernandez, Anthony Alford, Dwight Smith Jr., Dalton Pompey and Roemon Fields.

Out of that list of young players, Hernandez has the best chance to crack the team’s opening roster. However, the team wants him to play every day, so there is a strong chance he gets sent down and become one of the September call-ups.

Gone are Jose Bautista and Ezequiel Carrera from last season and in are Curtis Granderson and Randal Grichuk. It will be tough not seeing Bautista in the lineup, but after last season’s struggles, it was the time for the team to move on.

Where the team could see some issues is the planned platoon with Granderson and Steve Pearce, rather than give a player like Hernandez an opportunity. However, in the long run, this decision also allows Hernandez to work on his approach at the plate and improve on his high strikeout rate.

Don’t be surprised if the team makes the decision to bring him up if there is a need to improve the team’s offence or due to an injury.

Here is how the outfield will play out for the 2018 season.

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