The Blue Jays have bolstered their minor league ranks with the addition of Rafael Lantigua, a versatile infielder with a promising future. Lantigua, a right-handed hitter, made his mark in the 2016 amateur signing period and has since risen through the ranks, reaching Triple-A by the end of the 2022 season. His journey continued with two seasons in the Blue Jays' top affiliate in Buffalo, but he eventually qualified for minor league free agency.
Lantigua's skills were further showcased during his time with the Phillies, where he played in the International League. His performance included a .230 batting average, a 15.6% walk rate, and a 14.7% strikeout rate, contributing to a solid on-base percentage. However, his power-hitting abilities were limited, as evidenced by his seven home runs and .260 average on balls in play. Despite some potential poor luck, Lantigua's overall performance was commendable.
The Blue Jays also welcomed Carlos Mendoza, a left-handed infielder with a strong focus on on-base skills. Mendoza, a native of Miami, hit .287 with a .394 on-base percentage and a .409 slugging percentage in the Detroit system last year. He primarily played in Double-A and can cover second or third base, although he lacks shortstop experience. Mendoza's journey to the majors is ongoing, as he has not yet secured a spot on a 40-man roster.
Additionally, the Blue Jays confirmed agreements with Jorge Alcala, Eloy Jimenez, and Michael Plassmeyer, all of whom received non-roster invitations to big league camp. These players bring a diverse range of skills and experiences to the team, contributing to the organization's depth and potential for future success.
