While Toronto Blue Jays first base prospect Spencer Horwitz lacks high-end power and could be limited to first base in the big leagues, but his on-base ability is rare and is something that should translate well to the majors after he had a .450 on-base percentage at Triple-A Buffalo in 2023. He has also beat up on right-handed pitching as a left-handed hitter and showed more power in those matchups, which could make him a platoon puzzle piece for the Blue Jays sooner than later. Toronto thinks that Horwitz could become a regular contributor, but that's not going to come with regular at-bats in 2024, and how the team addresses the designated hitter spot will have a direct impact on Horwitz. The 26-year-old has an intriguing bat, but he's unlikely to see much playing time given Toronto's stacked roster.

Toronto Blue Jays infield prospect Damiano Palmegiani, who is ranked as the team's No. 18 prospect on MLB Pipeline, offers a positional fit at third base, power potential and the ability to crush left-handed pitching. At some point in 2024, the Blue Jays will need all three of those things, making Palmegiani a candidate to reach the majors. The 24-year-old reached Triple-A Buffalo for the final 20 games in 2023. He's been a work in progress defensively at the hot corner, but recent reports have been more favorable on his glove and he also has experience at first base. Palmegiani hit 23 homers last year and had high exit velocities, so his right-handed bat has potential at the next level, especially at hitter-friendly Rogers Centre. He's one to watch in dynasty/keeper leagues.

Toronto Blue Jays right-handed pitching prospect Bowden Francis, who came to Toronto in 2021 alongside Trevor Richards in the Rowdy Tellez trade, held his own in 2023 and posted a 1.73 ERA with 35 strikeouts and just eight walks in 36 1/3 innings in his first taste of the big leagues. His curveball is a legitimate plus pitch. Francis has earned a shot at starting again and could compete for the No. 5 starting-rotation spot in spring training. A trip to Triple-A Buffalo to begin the 2024 is most likely, but he'd be the next man up for the big-league rotation in that scenario. He could open the year as Toronto's bullpen swingman as well, which is a role he's grown comfortable with. Either way, Francis is going to pitch meaningful innings for the Jays in 2024

The Toronto Blue Jays have serious interest in free-agent outfielder/designated hitter Jorge Soler. He became a free agent this offseason after opting out of the final year of his three-year contract with the Miami Marlins. The 31-year-old right-handed slugger clubbed 36 home runs with an .853 OPS in 580 plate appearances in 2023 and is one of the best remaining power bats on the open market with spring training just several weeks away. Soler dealt with injuries earlier in his career, but if he signs with the Blue Jays and manages to stay healthy, a 40-homer season isn't out of the real of possibilities. Moving to Toronto would also be a huge upgrade in lineups over Miami, giving Soler plenty of RBI and run-scoring opportunities.

Cincinnati Reds corner infielder Jeimer Candelario was signed this offseason to be a steady presence in a very young lineup, despite an already crowded infield picture in Cincinnati. He has played in 746 major-league games, and no other Reds position player has appeared in more than 380 games. "Adding a guy like Jeimer takes some of that pressure off. Between DH, first base and third base, he's going to be an everyday player. There's plenty of playing time to go around there," manager David Bell said. The 30-year-old signed a three-year, $45 million deal in December to give the Reds even more offensive depth and defensive versatility. Candelario hit a career-high 22 home runs with the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs last year and is now moving to an even more friendly hitter's park. There's plenty to like about him as a cheap source of power with positional eligibility at both third and first base.