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Blue Jays: What is Joey Loperfido’s role in 2026?
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Photo credit: Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports
Aidan Sinclair
Feb 6, 2026, 18:00 ESTUpdated: Feb 6, 2026, 10:24 EST
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As Spring Training approaches, Blue Jays fans can gear up for some entertaining battles between current 40-man roster outfielders, competing for playing time in 2026. The likes of Nathan Lukes, Myles Straw, Davis Schneider, Jonatan Clase, and Addison Barger will all be in the mix, with the majority of those names likely resorting to bench roles, presuming everyone stays healthy. 
One wild card in this group is Joey Loperfido.
For example, Schneider is often limited to a platoon role unless Santander is hurt, hitting against left-handed pitching. Straw is a formidable defensive replacement with pinch-running ability. Lukes might give him a run for his money after a stellar 2025 season, but any potential regression from the veteran will leave Loperfido as a likely candidate to break out and earn significant playing time in 2026. 
Though it was a small 41-game sample in 2025, Loperfido was an excellent offensive contributor, posting a .333/.379/.500/.879 slash line with four home runs and a 140 WRC+. He showed no weakness against either side, hitting to a .329 AVG against righties and an impressive .350 AVG against lefties. When given the opportunity, Loperfido performed well beyond expectations. 
With Daulton Varsho and George Springer both entering walk years, the outfield will have some holes to fill come 2027. Loperfido appears to be one of the more intriguing candidates who could fill a corner outfield void, if Varsho/Springer don’t return. His sprint speed ranks in the 81st percentile, and with a 90% success rate between LF and RF, he figures to be a solid defender going forward. 
The Jays’ current logjam of Major League-calibre outfielders will be a storyline to follow during the fast-approaching Spring Training, wherein playing time will be earned.
Last year, Alan Roden posted the highest OPS of any Blue Jays hitter in Dunedin and earned a spot on the Opening Day roster. Unfortunately for Loperfido, he managed a subpar .207 AVG with a .717 OPS last Spring and faced the repercussions for poor performance, not getting called up until early July. 
Since joining the Jays at the 2024 trade deadline, Loperfido has made multiple swing adjustments, ultimately resorting to his current short-stride, which has seen him get to the ball quicker, finding improved results. He has an athletic presence in the box, and his smooth swing from the left side is repeatable, making it all the more likely he can translate his success from 2025 into a more consistent role in 2026. 
Loperfido, like many of the other Jays’ current outfield pieces, has one option remaining, making 2026 a crucial step towards his development. Addison Barger took a huge step a year ago, starting the season at triple-A before being called up in mid-April and never looking back. Loperfido could face a similar predicament and could soon become a regular contributor to an already potent Jays lineup. 
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