Whether because of injury or poor performance, the Toronto Blue Jays lineup has struggled for most of the 2026 season. 

The team let Bo Bichette go in free agency, which didn't help. George Springer and Alejandro Kirk spent time on the injured list, which also didn't help, with Kirk missing more than two months.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has had a major regression and now profiles as one of the worst hitters at home in baseball.

It's been a tough year across the board for the Jays, who enter play on Wednesday at 64-69 and in last place in the American League East. Despite that though, they are just three games back of the third and final wild card spot with 29 games to play.

One thing that has gone well for Toronto? The trade deadline acquisition of outfielder Brett Bateman. Acquired from the Chicago Cubs in the deal that sent Kevin Gausman to the North Side, the speedy outfielder has 21 hits in his first 15 games with the Jays. That is the third-most ever of any Jays player in his first 15 games, according to StatsCentre. Only Shea Hillenbrand and Bichette (26), and Roy Howell and Dave Martinez (24) had more. Four other Jays had 21 as well.

Bateman went 3-for-5 in Tuesday's 5-3 loss against the Kansas City Royals at Rogers Centre.

Bateman was selected in the eighth round of the 2023 draft out of Minnesota by the Cubs. He hit .312 with an impressive .430 on-base percentage at Triple-A this year, and he also stole 20 bases.

He's a contact-oriented player who has just six career home runs in the minor leagues. He has not hit one yet in the big leagues. That's something to watch for moving forward.

Well, Bateman is auditioning for that right now.

On the outfield front: Springer is set to be a free agent, so he'll likely be gone. Myles Straw is likely gone as well, as the team is sure to decline his $8 million team option. Daulton Varsho was traded away, meaning he's out of the picture as well.

As for who will be in the mix? Jesus Sanchez is heading into the final year of his deal while Nathan Lukes will be back as well. Anthony Santander, though more of a designated hitter, could factor into things.

So clearly, there is room for Bateman. Of course, the Jays could go out and spend money on additional outfielders this offseason. For instance, Randy Arozarena is a free agent at the end of the campaign. The All-Star will be in town this weekend with the Seattle Mariners.