Cavan Biggio the Toronto Blue Jays backup plan on the infield
By David Hill
The Toronto Blue Jays have several potential openings on the infield. With Marcus Semien in free agency, and ongoing issues at third, the Blue Jays have plenty of needs in their lineup. The hope is that Semien will return and that they will find a way to make third base work, either via trade or with someone already in the organization.
There is also a backup plan. Cavan Biggio has a great deal of defensive flexibility, seeing time at second, third, right field, and first over his major league career. That flexibility gives the Blue Jays the perfect backup plan in the event that either Semien does not return or they cannot find an upgrade at third.
Toronto Blue Jays have backup plan with Cavan Biggio
Biggio has become a super utility player for the Blue Jays, but that was not always the case. He was their primary second baseman in 2019, getting 85 games at the position as a rookie. Last year, most of his action came at third, with 52 games at the hot corner.
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The biggest problem has been keeping Biggio healthy. He appeared in just 79 games last year due to a variety of nagging injuries that kept him from being able to make more of an impact. His 86 OPS+ was easily the worst of his time in the majors, and he hit just seven homers and ten doubles in his 294 plate appearances.
When healthy, Biggio has an intriguing blend of power and speed that the Blue Jays want to keep in the lineup as much as possible. Add in his ability to get on base, and Biggio can be a force at the top of the batting order. It is just a matter of keeping him in the lineup.
His defensive versatility certainly helps. Even if he is not a starter per se, he can still get into the lineup four or five times a week, appearing at different places around the diamond. But that may only be the case if the Blue Jays are unable to bring back Semien or find an upgrade at third. Otherwise, Biggio may have a home defensively.
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The Toronto Blue Jays have a perfect backup plan if they are unable to improve at second and third. Cavan Biggio makes their lives easier if Marcus Semien leaves.