Addison Barger's return could give the Blue Jays a bat they badly need. It could also crowd an outfield that's already full of question marks.

He last appeared in a big-league game on May 10. After that, an ankle injury, elbow surgery and a back issue wiped out the rest of his season.

The good news is that the elbow surgery wasn't Tommy John. His recovery was listed at six months, which should have him in camp if spring training starts on time.

The 2025 version is what Toronto needs. He hit 21 homers with 32 doubles and a .755 OPS over 135 games.

That kind of power would help a lineup that finished last in the majors in homers.

But where does he play? That's the tricky part.

Anthony Santander and Kazuma Okamoto complicate Addison Barger's fit

Barger played mostly right field in 2025. The Jays have also told Anthony Santander, who missed all of 2026, to prepare for outfield duty.

Third base is the other option. But Kazuma Okamoto owns that spot after setting a franchise rookie record with 33 homers.

Second base has been floated, too, as a way to ease the strain on his elbow. Ernie Clement's role is already up in the air.

Give Barger right field and make Santander the DH. Santander has played 54 games in two years, and defence has never been his calling card.

It's like two tenants claiming the same apartment. Hand the keys to the one more likely to pay rent on time.

Toronto still needs a backup plan. Brett Bateman, Nathan Lukes and potential free-agent bats like Seiya Suzuki all factor into the outfield math.

2026 proved how fast injuries can wreck a season. Counting on Barger to return at full strength immediately would be a mistake.

If he's healthy and swinging like 2025, Toronto gets a power bat for free. If not, Ross Atkins had better have already built a lineup that doesn't need him.