DUNEDIN, Florida — Though no longer a rookie, Davis Schneider is experiencing his first big-league training camp.
After being called up from Triple-A Buffalo, the infielder made a dramatic debut with the Toronto Blue Jays in August of last year, blasting a home run in his first at-bat. Schneider continued to have an incredible month and then took a break in September.
At the team’s player development complex, the 25-year-old is currently vying for a position at second base, or possibly as a backup infielder/outfielder.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider stated on Wednesday, “He’s kind of a new guy still because he wasn’t even invited last year.” “He has demonstrated that he is capable of competing at this level and winning.
“I think what he went through — good and bad — last year has really helped him (with) understanding what kind of player he is.”
Schneider, who was selected by the Blue Jays in the 28th round (849th overall) of the 2017 draft, had a strong offensive career with the Bisons for portions of the previous two seasons.
When he was given the opportunity to play in the major leagues, he had an instant effect.
During his first series at Boston, Schneider was a potent offensive player and quickly found himself batting in the middle of the order. In addition to his impressive.370 average, he had the best on-base plus slugging (OPS) through 25 games in MLB history, at 1.315.
Schneider had a rough slump during the stretch drive, but he still finished with a.276 average, 1.007 OPS, eight home runs, and 20 RBIs across 35 games.
“Baseball is a funny game where you can be at an all-time high and then at an all-time low,” he stated. It was strange that I was 0-for-31. When I was having a bad luck streak, several of my friends would text me and ask, “Are you okay? How are things doing overall? “I’m fine, man,” I say.
A year ago, if you had told me that I would go 0-for-31 in the major leagues, I would have said, ‘Hell yeah, let me get that.'” It all comes down to perspective.
Right now, he’s trying to break camp with the squad.
Shortstop A dynamic infield is anchored by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first base and Bo Bichette.
With Matt Chapman departing as a free agent, Isiah Kiner-Falefa is expected to get the majority of the action at third base, and Cavan Biggio, Santiago Espinal, and Schneider could be considered for the second-base position.
Justin Turner noticed some activity at every turn. Recently, minor-league contracts were signed by Eduardo Escobar and Daniel Vogelbach. A number of prospects and backups may also be given a look.
Schneider, Biggio, and Espinal are all versatile players who can play a range of positions based on the matchup.
“There’s a lot of talented guys here,” Schneider, who turned 25 this past month, remarked. “It goes without saying that since we are a team, you will want to compete against the other 29 teams, but at spring training, you will be up against each other.
“Simply focus on your strengths. The other guy will complete the work in the same amount of time as you, so don’t worry about what he is doing.”
Biggio’s left shoulder tendonitis has prevented him from playing much at camp. He hasn’t taken part in live batting practice yet, but he has been doing infield exercises.
The Blue Jays want to build on their 89-win season, which culminated in a Minnesota wild-card series sweep.
Toronto is a 20-1 favorite to win the World Series in 2024 according to the FanDuel sportsbook. In addition to division rivals New York (8-1) and Baltimore (15-1) seven other teams have higher chances.
In terms of the distinction between this season and his prior seasons with the squad, Bichette stated, “I think it’s the first time we’re being doubted, for sure.” “We’ve always had high standards, and I believe that attempting to prove someone wrong is approached very differently than attempting to show someone right.
“I think we’ll see what we’re capable of this year.”
The team will practice, meet, and work out for two more days before playing their preseason debut against Philadelphia on Saturday. Tampa Bay hosts the regular-season opener on March 28.
Schneider referred to it as “my first big-league spring training.” Since I made my debut a year ago, not many guys do it, so it’s kind of an odd way to go about things.
“But I’m glad I’m here now and I’ve got to make the most of it.”
The Canadian Press originally released this item on February 21, 2024.
