Blue Jays have high hopes for new additions

In the days leading up to the start of Spring Training, MLB.com is running a six-part series that takes a close look at each team in the Major Leagues. The second installment is called "The New Guys," and it focuses on additions that will impact the 25-man roster.

C Russell Martin: The veteran backstop received the largest free-agent contract in franchise history when he signed for $82 million over five years in November. Martin is generally regarded as one of the best catchers in baseball, and his abilities behind the plate should go a long way in helping the development of a young pitching staff. Martin posted a career-high .402 on-base percentage in 2014, and he is expected to hit second in the batting order -- ahead of Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion and Josh Donaldson.

1B Justin Smoak: He was mentioned in Part 1 of this series as one of the Blue Jays who is looking for improved production in 2015. Smoak hit at least 15 home runs in three of the past four seasons, and those numbers could improve at Rogers Centre. But he also has to cut down the number of strikeouts and reach base more consistently to fill a significant role. If Encarnacion begins the year at designated hitter, Smoak likely will be part of a platoon at first with Danny Valencia.

Outlook: Smoak may benefit from hitter-friendly park

Justin Smoak was inconsistent during his time with the Mariners but his power could greatly improve after a trade to the Blue Jays

2B Devon Travis: He became the second baseman of the future when the Blue Jays acquired him from the Tigers in a deal for Anthony Gose. Travis is expected to compete for the job at second base during Spring Training, but he's never played above Double-A and ideally would start the year in Triple-A Buffalo. That could change if Travis impresses early, but his overall development would be best served with a little more seasoning in the Minors, which would set the stage for a possible midseason callup.

3B Donaldson: Anthopoulos surprised everybody in baseball when he pulled off the trade for Donaldson. Most people assumed Donaldson was off limits in Oakland because he has four years of club control remaining, but a deal featuring Lawrie and a package of prospects (Franklin Barreto) was enough to get the deal done. Donaldson finished in the top 10 in voting for the American League Most Valuable Player Award in each of the past two years, and he'll combine with Bautista and Encarnacion to cause fits for opposing pitchers.

Outlook: Donaldson should provide power in new park

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Blue Jays have high hopes for new additions