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Blue Jays infielder facing make-or-break camp.
The Toronto Blue Jays could part ways with a former top prospect in spring training.
Toronto enters spring training with some intriguing camp battles, including some in the infield. Former top prospect Leo Jimenez is out of minor-league options, and he’s someone who will likely get claimed off waivers.
Blue Jays reporter Keegan Matheson of MLB.com called Jimenez a player to watch in camp, as he will have the upper hand to land a roster spot.
“Is Jiménez the Blue Jays’ next-best option in the infield? If he is, great,” Matheson wrote. “If not, they need to find one. Jiménez is still just 24 years old. But he is out of Minor League options and feels like the type of young player who would quickly get scooped up elsewhere if he’s exposed at the end of camp. That said, Jiménez missed much of 2025 with injuries and has lost some of the momentum he built over the two years prior. So this is a pivotal camp for the former top prospect.
“Jiménez is a slick defender with the cool, easy nature of a big leaguer, and if he can hit, there’s a job for him long-term. Will Toronto’s roster need that right away, though? With Schneider’s ability to play second, Barger’s ability to play third, and Ernie Clement’s ability to move around, this will be a real decision for the Blue Jays. Jiménez’s game action in Spring Training will be as meaningful as any other player.”
Jimenez has struggled to hit in the MLB, which could be an issue for him. Yet, he’s a glove-first infielder who can play multiple positions. But he will have his hands full in making the roster.
Jimenez Hasn’t Lived up to Hype
Toronto signed Jimenez as an International Free Agent in 2017, and he was considered the Blue Jays’ fifth-ranked prospect in 2022 and 2024.
Jimenez has appeared in MLB games, but his bat has been a major issue as he has struggled to hit. In his 2022 MLB Pipeline profile, his offense was always considered a weak point of his game.
“Power remains a key tool to Jimenez’s long-term value, but it doesn’t need to come in the form of double-digit home run totals,” the article read. “As long as Jimenez can drive the ball more consistently, that will add a threat on top of his advanced plate approach and above-average contact rate.
“With average to above-average athleticism and enough quickness to stick in the middle infield, Jimenez will continue to prioritize shortstop while also mixing in reps at second base. Add in a quality arm, and Jimenez’s defensive profile should allow him to climb the ladder quickly.”
In the MLB, Jimenez has appeared in 81 games, hitting .207 with 5 home runs and 20 RBIs. In 2025, he appeared in 18 games, hitting .069 with 1 home run and 1 RBI.
Blue Jays Lose Infielder to Rival
Jimenez does have a chance to make the roster after Toronto didn’t bring back infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
The Blue Jays claimed Kiner-Falefa off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates at the end of August, and he became a key player for Toronto in the playoffs. Yet, on Wednesday, he inked a one-year, $6 million deal with the Boston Red Sox.
Kiner-Falefa is a glove-first infielder, which is a similar role to Jimenez’s. So, that could be a good sign for the former top prospect.
Cole Shelton Cole Shelton covers the NHL, MLB and Cleveland Browns for Heavy.com. He has covered pro and college sports since 2016, including bylines at BJ Penn, USA Today, SB Nation, Rotowire, Canadian Baseball Network and more. More about Cole Shelton
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