The Blue Jays defensive imbalance might be better they fans believe
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Victor William
Feb 3, 2026 (10:59 PM)
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Photo credit: John Froschauer-Imagn Images
Ross Atkins has finally built a roster that makes sense, and while the media calls it an "imbalance," the reality is that this defensive structure is exactly what a championship team looks like.
For years, we complained about square pegs in round holes.
We watched infielders playing outfield and sluggers pretending to be defenders.
But looking at the projected 2026 lineup, that narrative is dead.
The so-called "imbalance" heavily favors run prevention, and that is a breath of fresh air.
Daulton Varsho has turned the outfield into a no-fly zone.
With a staggering 28 Defensive Runs Saved last recorded season, Varsho isn't just an outfielder; he is a legitimate safety net for every pitcher on the mound.
Having a defender who can erase mistakes allows the rotation to attack the zone with zero fear.
Then you look behind the plate at Alejandro Kirk.
Kirk (Signed as International Free Agent, 2016 by Toronto) has quietly become the premier defensive backstop in the American League.
His pitch framing and blocking are elite, ranking in the 98th percentile recently.
This "defense-first" tilt might worry fans who crave home runs, but it stabilizes the team's floor.
Defense fuels the October dream
When the bats go cold in the postseason, the glove work keeps you alive.
We saw flashes of this potential during the last playoff push.
Addison Barger (Drafted Round 6, 2018 by Toronto) has emerged as a versatile weapon who fits this mold perfectly.
He doesn't just hit; he offers the positional flexibility that allows the "imbalance" to work.
By overloading on elite defenders, Atkins has taken the pressure off Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to score 10 runs a night.
Vladdy can just be Vladdy, knowing the runs he drives in will actually stand up.
It feels different this year—less chaotic, more calculated.
The "imbalance" is actually just an abundance of riches in the field.
We aren't just trying to outscore teams anymore; we are trying to suffocate them.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 3|323 ANSWERS The Blue Jays defensive imbalance might be better they fans believe Is elite defense enough to carry the Blue Jays back to the World Series? | ||
| Yes | 226 | 70 % |
| No | 97 | 30 % |
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