Addison Barger tops the list of Blue Jays players with something to prove after injuries wrecked 2026. Toronto needs his bat back more than anyone's.

He played just nine games last season, collecting two RBIs before a string of injuries ended his year. The club expects him ready for spring training.

That matters because pitching depth can be patched together. A 26-year-old power bat coming off a World Series run is far harder to replace.

Several pitchers are also working their way back. Cody Ponce tore his ACL in his first start, leaving the rotation scrambling all season.

He'll get every chance to win a rotation spot in camp. If not, he could become a valuable swingman.

José Berrios and Bowden Francis both had Tommy John surgery. Berrios could return in the second half of 2027, while Francis isn't expected back until at least midseason.

Anthony Santander remains the biggest comeback question

Santander has played just 54 games in two seasons with Toronto. When he was on the field, he hit .175 with a .565 OPS.

Can he still help? Maybe, but nobody should expect his 2024 All-Star numbers from Baltimore.

Jake Bloss is the deepest depth piece on the list. Tommy John surgery in 2025 and a right teres major strain in 2026 have limited him to 17 minor league starts over two years.

The 25-year-old has to prove he can stay on the mound before he can push for a big-league job.

Barger is the comeback that truly moves the needle. Santander is a gamble and the pitchers are long-term projects, but Barger can change the lineup on day one.

Getting these players back is like finding money in old coat pockets. Some bills are big, some are small and some turn out to be receipts.

Even a couple of healthy returns would brighten Toronto's outlook. A full slate of them would make 2026 look like an outlier.

The front office can't plan around all of them coming back. But if Barger returns swinging like he did in 2025, the Jays' power problem gets a lot smaller.