Ryan Goins

Goins had a golden opportunity in 2016 when the Jays starting second baseman, Devon Travis, began the year on the disabled list. Unfortunately, the 28-year-old was unable to capitalize on the vacancy, hitting just .176 and losing his starting gig before he, too, landed on the DL. Goins spent most of the second half at Triple-A Buffalo where he slashed .265/.318/.388 in 110 at-bats -- far from impressive after posting similar numbers over an entire MLB season the prior year. Meanwhile, his teammate and top competition, Darwin Barney, was productive in Goins' stead and Travis eventually returned, leaving little room for Goins to see playing time. Overall, the infielder posted career-worst marks in average (.186) and strikeout rate (24.5 percent) in 279 at-bats. With shortstop Richard Urena, a top-100 prospect, on the horizon and a healthy roster in place, Goins will have an uphill climb to make the big league roster in 2017. He will work on adding to his versatility by playing some outfield this spring, as he is out of minor league options.

Goins and Kevin Pillar were two of the biggest surprises of the 2015 season for Toronto. With Devon Travis snagging the starting second base role, Goins was stuck in Triple-A for the start of the season because he retained options, but Goins’ stint in Triple-A lasted all of six games. The strong defender is capable of playing both middle infield spots with aplomb while also filling in at third base and in the outfield. In 128 games, Goins hit for a passable .250/.318/.354 slash line while knocking in 45 runs and scoring 52 runs of his own. With Devon Travis and Troy Tulowitzki occupying the middle infield roles for the foreseeable future, Goins is likely stuck as the utility guy until one of those two succumbs to the injury bug. However, despite showing flashes of being a better hitter, he doesn’t steal bases or provide enough offensively to roster in most fantasy leagues.

Goins is a terrific defensive player, and the Jays value his defense. Offensively; did we say he is a great defender already? He owns a career slash line of .213/.231/.300 in more than 300 plate appearances in the major leagues, and the numbers in the minor leagues are only slightly better. This a glove-first second baseman who barely has gap power and does not do much on the basepaths. There is little reason to believe that profile is going to change any time soon.

Goins is a light-hitting middle infielder, so it shouldn't be surprising that he slashed just .252/.264/.345 over 121 plate appearances in his first major league action last season. He'll likely compete for a backup spot in spring training but doesn't figure to be in the mix for a starting job. If he sticks on the Opening Day roster, Goins will be used sparingly.