Blue Jays Add Elite Speed For the Stretch Run

The Blue Jays promoted outfielder Cam Eden to the big league roster on Wednesday.

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Blue Jays just got faster.

Toronto promoted Cam Eden from Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday. A 25-year-old outfielder, Eden is one of the fastest prospects and best defenders in the organization.

In 131 Triple-A games this year, Eden hit .257 with three homers and a .687 OPS. While Eden isn't much of a threat with the bat, he's been one of the minor leagues' most dangerous baserunners. In 57 stolen base attempts with the Bisons, Eden has been caught just four times. This year, he set the modern-era single-season record for stolen bases by a member of the Buffalo Bisons.

With rosters expanded and every run drastically shifting playoff odds, there's value to rostering that speed and defense as the last man on Toronto's bench for the final few games of the 2023 season and potentially into October.

The Blue Jays optioned infielder Ernie Clement back to Triple-A in place of Eden. In a brief stint with the Jays, Clement hit .380 with an .885 OPS, filling in across the infield with Bo Bichette missing time due to injury. The Jays also designated veteran infielder Mason McCoy for assignment to make room for Eden on the 40-man roster.