After getting to Game 7 of the World Series in 2025, the Toronto Blue Jays enter 2026 as one of the favorites to represent the American League in the Fall Classic once again.

The Jays have a loaded lineup that is aided by the presence of Kazuma Okamoto and a solid rotation that is bettered by the addition of Dylan Cease. The bullpen added Tyler Rogers and will have a full season of Louis Varland, who was acquired at the trade deadline last season.

Of course, there are questions about how the team replaces the production of Bo Bichette and about how to fill the void left behind by Anthony Santander's injury.

But thanks to a note from MLBTradeRumors on Thursday night, there's also an interesting battle brewing for the final bench spot between Davis Schneider and Leo Jimenez, who is out of options.

Barring another injury, this probably comes down to Jiménez versus Davis Schneider for the final roster spot. Jiménez has the defensive advantage with the ability to play shortstop, while Schneider offers a kind of right-handed power that no one else on the bench would provide

As it stands right now: Myles Straw profiles as a backup outfielder while Tyler Heineman is a backup catcher. Nathan Lukes is another backup outfielder, meaning that the last bench spot likely does need to be an infielder.

A 27-year-old New Jersey native, Schneider has the ability to play both the outfield and second base, giving him something Jimenez doesn't have. Furthermore, if he could kick to second base in a pinch, it gives Ernie Clement the freedom to roam around the rest of the infield.

A career .217 hitter, Schneider does have power: He hit 11 homers in just 227 at-bats last season, and he has 32 homers in just 252 career games for his career. He also has a good eye, posting a .361 on-base percentage a season ago.

He has two options remaining and can be freely sent to the minors.

Ranked as the No. 5 prospect in the organization as recently as 2024, Jimenez is now 24 years old. He played 63 games for the Jays in 2024, hitting .229 with four homers and 19 RBIs.

A career .273 hitter in the minors, he was injured most of 2025, playing just 26 games. He has 22 career minor league home runs, so he doesn't offer the power that Schneider does.

And with 25 career minor league stolen bases, he isn't necessarily an upgrade on the bases.

He will be playing in the World Baseball Classic, meaning he will have a period of time away from the team and won't be able to directly impress those in power.

--The Blue Jays officially signed Max Scherzer to a one-year deal this week. Here's how the contract breaks down.

--After signing Scherzer, how will the Blue Jays handle their excess pitching depth? 

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