Brett Bateman produced more value in 41 games than Vladimir Guerrero Jr. did all season but still might get replaced due to his power.

Bateman finished with 1.9 fWAR after his August call-up. Guerrero checked in at 1.1 for the full year.

He also topped George Springer and Ernie Clement, who finished at 0.9 and 0.6. Not bad for the return piece in a deadline deal for a fan-favourite pitcher.

The bat carried much of it. He slashed .329/.402/.424 and collected 52 hits while settling in as the everyday leadoff man.

He started fast, too. In his debut against the Phillies, he doubled off Zack Wheeler on the first big-league pitch he ever saw.

The clip shows him lining that very first pitch for a double, the start of a two-month run nobody saw coming.

Brett Bateman's speed is a weapon Toronto's lineup lacks

The glove held up in center, where he replaced Daulton Varsho. He posted +4 Fielding Run Value and +4 Outs Above Average.

The speed matters most. He's in the 85th percentile in sprint speed, on a team that ranked 26th in sprint speed and 27th in stolen bases.

So why is his role in question? Because Toronto still needs power, and he hit just two homers.

The Jays have been linked to outfield bats like Seiya Suzuki, Ian Happ and Randy Arozarena. Addison Barger and Anthony Santander are also expected back from injuries.

Santander may fit best at DH, given his health and a -19 career Fielding Run Value. That keeps the glove-first rookie in center.

Ross Atkins has said he wants to be cautious about relying on young players for 162 games. Fine, but caution shouldn't turn into a demotion.

Bateman has earned the job. A centre fielder who out-produced the franchise's $500 million first baseman in a fraction of the games deserves to start on Opening Day.

Benching him for a power bat is like replacing your best point guard because you need a centre. Sign the centre and keep the point guard.

The ideal 2027 outfield adds a slugger in a corner and keeps Bateman in center. Anything else would mean learning the wrong lesson from the best surprise of Toronto's season.