Back to Lukes—his reputation as a grinder is well earned. He continues to foul off pitch after pitch. During last year’s postseason, the rest of the lineup followed his lead, turning that approach into a defining strength. What Lukes hasn’t quite done yet this season, as the Jays prepare for a rematch with the two-time defending champion Dodgers, is find the gaps. That should come with time—assuming he keeps his spot in the lineup.

That’s no guarantee. Jesús Sánchez brings legitimate power and could be a strong addition to the middle of the order. Manager John Schneider has already praised his natural swing and presence.

“If he can see a starter multiple times, this dude has got some serious skills.”

Sánchez has produced highlight-reel home runs throughout his career, but his strikeout rate (110 in 2025 compared to Lukes’ 60 in similar playing time) suggests he may not yet fit the station-to-station approach that defined the Jays’ success in 2025. Lukes, on the other hand, embodies that style.

Of course, it’s still early in the 2026 season, and drawing firm conclusions now would be premature. To Sánchez’s credit, he has shown flashes that suggest he could thrive in Toronto, much like past stars such as José Bautista and Edwin Encarnación.

But accolades won’t define this team’s success—execution will. The Jays have their superstar in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. They have a veteran leader in George Springer, who is nearing Hall of Fame consideration. The rest of the lineup needs to focus on doing the little things: putting the ball in play, moving runners, and playing clean baseball.

Can they rediscover that consistency in the coming weeks? Hopefully, before—as Yogi Berra famously said—“it gets late early,” the Blue Jays can reconnect with their identity and start stacking wins in a highly competitive AL East.