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An overview of the Blue Jays outfield heading into 2026
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Photo credit: © Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
Ben Wrixon
Jan 20, 2026, 12:00 ESTUpdated: Jan 20, 2026, 09:11 EST
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Opening Day is approaching fast, and the Toronto Blue Jays have an outfield log-jam to sort through even after falling short in their pursuit of Kyle Tucker.
Centre field is the most straightforward position if everybody is healthy. Daulton Varsho will start there after a strong—albeit injury-shortened—campaign in 2025 during which he slugged 20 home runs with 55 RBIs in just 71 games. He also played exceptional defense to the tune of nine outs above average with a +6 fielding run value. 
Varsho will have plenty to play for in 2026 with his contract set to expire at season’s end. He’s a client of agent Scott Boras, who will undoubtedly be looking to set himself up for a monster payday in free agency next winter, even with a potential lockout on the horizon.
The corner outfield spots are where things get more interesting for the Blue Jays. 
If newcomer Kazuma Okamoto sticks as an everyday player at third base, Addison Barger is likely to be the team’s primary right fielder. His strong arm plays well there, and he proved himself offensively against elite pitching during the ALCS and World Series. If Okamoto does seem some time in the outfield, it will be in the corner spots – most likely left field – but he will cut into the playing time for a few others listed below. 
Anthony Santander will probably be the team’s left fielder on Opening Day. His debut season with the Blue Jays in 2025 was an unmitigated disaster, but the organization won’t be quick to quit on the $92.5-million man. They need his bat to fill the void created by Bo Bichette’s departure. He’ll be one of the team’s biggest X-factors in 2026. 
While this trio appears to have the inside track on the starring gigs, the Blue Jays have several other options muddying the picture. 
Nathan Lukes spent considerable time split between left and right field and batted second for most of 2025. He played solid defense and delivered countless clutch hits. He likely would have been the odd man had the Blue Jays signed Tucker, but now he should —and deserves to—play semi-regularly. If Santander flounders again, he could take over the everyday left field job. If Okamoto ends up starting primarily against left-handed pitchers, Barger could also play third to make room for Lukes in right field. 
Finding at-bats for Davis Schneider may be increasingly tricky, as evidenced by his limited playing time throughout the World Series run. He figures to get pinch-hit opportunities against left-handers, but may not start many ballgames in 2026. He could be the backup second baseman if Ernie Clement is deployed elsewhere, but Schneider also saw considerable work in left field last season, primarily because Santander was on the IL. 
Myles Straw, meanwhile, is likely to reprise his role as a late-game defensive substitution. He’ll also provide valuable insurance in centre field in case of a Varsho injury. Pinch-running opportunities will also be there when Santander and Alejandro Kirk get on base.  
Ultimately, the Blue Jays’ outfield is likely to be a revolving door in 2026. Manager John Schneider will have his hands full deploying this group—all six of them will be important to the team’s success. 

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