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Blue Jays: Nathan Lukes still holds value as a fourth outfielder
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Photo credit: © Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Ryley Delaney
Dec 22, 2025, 17:00 ESTUpdated: Dec 22, 2025, 14:58 EST
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Who knows what the Toronto Blue Jays’ roster will look like come Opening Day.
It’s been reported that the Blue Jays are looking to add a big bat. Whether that’s re-signing Bo Bichette, or bringing in Alex Bregman or Kyle Tucker is yet to be determined. Because the Blue Jays are so versatile, we could see many different lineups on a day-to-day basis depending on who signs.
One player whose role is almost a lock is Nathan Lukes. Due to Anthony Santander’s injury, the left-handed batting outfielder appeared in 135 games and got 438 plate appearances, where he slashed .255/.323/.407 with 12 home runs.
Assuming everyone is healthy, Lukes will move to a fourth outfielder role in 2026, no matter who the Blue Jays add. If they add Tucker, he’ll play right field, while Santander moves over to left field. If they were to add an infielder, Addison Barger would become the full-time right fielder.
Now, if the Blue Jays don’t sign a bat, which is both seemingly unlikely and would be a massive disappointment, that would give Lukes a lot more playing time.  It’s not hard to envision him in a platoon role alongside Davis Schneider depending on the handedness of the pitcher on the mound. at least in a platoon role. 
Having Lukes as a fourth outfielder puts the Blue Jays in a strong spot. He’s everything the Blue Jays love in a hitter, Lukes makes contact, rarely strikes out, has some pop, and also defends well. That last part is important, because if the Blue Jays have Santander regularly playing in the outfield, they’re going to need a defensive replacement when they have the lead late in the game.
Last season, Lukes played 249 innings in left field, finishing with 4 Defensive Runs Saved and -2 Outs Above Average. In centre field, he had -1 DRS and OAA in 214 innings. But nearly half his playing time was in right field, where he had 7 DRS and 4 OAA in 446.1 innings.
Straw, obviously, is another option to come in as a defensive replacement, but the Jays sacrifice a lot of offence by bringing in the speedy defence-first outfielder. Lukes as a defensive replacement still gives the Jays some offence.
It’s still possible Lukes will get the same number of plate appearances next season, who knows what transpires the rest of the off-season and injuries can always happen. If he doesn’t get the same number of plate appearances, the 31-year-old is still a valuable player for the Jays moving forward.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.

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