The projected 2026 Opening Day lineup proves the Blue Jays are scarier without Bo Bichette
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Victor William
Feb 2, 2026 (10:59)
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Photo credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
We all dreaded the day Bo Bichette would wear another jersey, but looking at this projected lineup, the Blue Jays haven't just moved on—they have leveled up.
It stings to lose a homegrown star.
But Ross Atkins didn't wallow; he went out and built a machine designed to crush the American League East.
The latest projections show a roster that trades shortstop flash for overwhelming power and tactical versatility.
The headline isn't who is missing; it is who has arrived.
Kazuma Okamoto (Signed as International Free Agent, 2026 by Toronto) is the thunder we have been praying for at third base.
Coming over from Japan with a slash line of .327/.415/.598 last season, Okamoto provides the right-handed protection Vladimir Guerrero Jr has needed for years.
Speaking of Vladdy, he is no longer just a piece of the core; he is the undisputed captain now.
Coming off a 2025 campaign where he hit .292 with 23 homers, he is primed for an MVP-caliber tear.
But the real genius of this lineup is the supporting cast.
The kids are ready to carry the torch
While the superstars get the ink, the young guns are the ones who will lengthen this lineup.
Look at Joey Loperfido (Drafted Round 7, 2021 by Houston).
In his limited run last year, Loperfido slashed a massive .333 average in 96 at-bats.
That isn't just a hot streak; that is a billboard saying he is ready for everyday reps.
Then you have Will Wagner (Drafted Round 18, 2021 by Houston), whose contact skills give the bottom of the order a relentless quality.
This "imbalance" of power and youth feels different than the top-heavy teams of the past.
We aren't relying on three guys to do everything anymore.
We have a lineup that can hurt you from spots 1 through 9.
Losing Bo closed a chapter, but this new group looks ready to write a better ending.
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