The Toronto Blue Jays made a surprising trade on Friday morning, acquiring slugging outfielder Jesus Sanchez from the Houston Astros.

Sanchez, a six-year veteran, has real power and should help alleviate the loss of Anthony Santander, who could be out the entire season with a labrum injury. Sanchez has five straight seasons of double-digit home runs, including 18 in 2024.

He also doesn't strike out a ton (22 percent in 2025), meaning he'll fit in with the Jays' blend of power and contact.

But while his addition is exciting, it also poses some trouble for Nathan Lukes, who was an integral part of the 2025 campaign.

Let's dive in.

C: Alejandro Kirk

1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

2B: Ernie Clement

SS: Andres Gimenez

3B: Kazuma Okamoto

RF: Addison Barger

CF: Daulton Varsho

LF: Jesus Sanchez

DH: George Springer

Bench 1: Tyler Heineman

Bench 2: Davis Schneider

Bench 3: Myles Straw

Bench 4: ??

1) This bench doesn't have a true utility bench infielder on its roster. Schneider can play the infield, but he isn't really a suitable "jack-of-all-trades" infielder at this point in his career, is he? He has played just four big-league games at third base and has never played one at shortstop.

2) Is the team satisfied with Ernie Clement as its backup shortstop? He's projected as a starter, but he does have 87 career games there under his belt, including 29 last season. If they are content with Schneider and Clement to handle those duties, then there's still a chance that "Bench 4" could go to Lukes.

3) Are the Jays ready to bench Okamoto against right-handed pitching? They just spent $60 million on him so it seems doubtful, but if they were, they'd be able to play Barger at third and use Lukes in right more often.

4) Of course, there's a chance they could keep Lukes on the roster and just acknowledge that the roster doesn't quite work the way they'd want it to. They could still find time for Lukes, but it would be more sparse if he's in a timeshare with Sanchez.

5) They could trade Lukes in order to bring in a piece that fits better now.

A 31-year-old, Lukes saw significant time in 2025, hitting .255 with 12 homers in 388 at-bats. He also posted 65 RBIs, showcasing some power and run-producing ability. He was a regular starter in the playoffs, appearing in 17 of 18 possible games, hitting .274 with eight RBIs.

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