Ross Atkins floated Addison Barger as a center field option for the Blue Jays on Tuesday. It's a surprising name for a position he's never played in the majors.

Speaking to reporters at the GM meetings in Las Vegas, Atkins named three candidates for the job: Brett Bateman, Nathan Lukes and Barger.

Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith called it an “interesting note” from the Jays GM.

The opening exists because Daulton Varsho is gone. Toronto traded him to the Astros at the deadline, and he won't be returning as a free agent.

Bateman and Lukes make sense. Both are among the team's best defensive outfielders.

But Barger in center? That's a stretch.

Addison Barger's rocket arm doesn't make him a center fielder

All 99 of his big-league outfield games have come in the corners. He's also played 127 games at third base.

His arm is a weapon, but his speed and range fit better in right field. Center demands both.

He's also coming off a lost season. He played just nine games in 2026 after a string of injuries, including elbow surgery.

When healthy, the bat is real. He hit 21 homers in 2025, plus a pinch-hit grand slam in Game 1 of the World Series, the first in MLB history.

Center field should belong to Bateman. He's the fastest option and hit .329 after arriving, while Barger belongs in right, where his arm plays best.

Putting Barger in center is like asking a power forward to run point guard. He's talented, just not built for the job.

The mention might simply reflect flexibility. Toronto values players who can move around, and Atkins may be keeping every door open.

Spring training will sort it out. But if Barger ends up as the everyday center fielder, it'll say more about Toronto's outfield shopping than about his range.