It’s that time of year again – baseball season is just around the corner and teams are gearing up for the opening day. For the Toronto Blue Jays, one player who has been making headlines is pitcher, Carlos Villar. At 28 years old, Villar is in a unique position as he is out of minor-league options, meaning he can no longer be sent down to the minors without being exposed to waivers. But despite this challenge, Villar remains determined to prove himself and earn a spot on the Blue Jays’ opening day roster.

Villar was originally signed by the Blue Jays in 2013 and has spent the majority of his career in the minor leagues. However, he did have a brief stint in the majors in 2017 with the New York Mets, where he appeared in six games. While he may not have had much experience at the major league level, Villar has shown great potential in the minors, with an impressive 3.20 ERA and 376 strikeouts in 390 innings pitched.

But as the Blue Jays head into the 2020 season, Villar’s time in the minors is up. With his lack of minor-league options, he either makes the opening day roster or risks being claimed by another team. This may seem like a daunting situation for any player, but Villar is taking it in stride and using it as motivation to work even harder.

In an interview with the Toronto Sun, Villar expressed his determination to make the team. He said, “It’s a challenge, but I’m ready for it. I’ve been working hard in the offseason and I’m ready to show the Blue Jays what I can do on the field.” It’s clear that Villar is not letting his lack of options affect his mindset. Instead, he is using it as fuel to prove his worth and earn a spot on the opening day roster.

One factor that may work in Villar’s favor is the Blue Jays’ need for reliable pitchers. With Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez no longer on the team, there are a few spots open in the starting rotation. Villar’s versatility as a starter or a reliever may give him an edge in securing a spot on the roster. And with the Blue Jays looking to rebuild and develop their young talent, Villar’s experience in the minors could also work to his advantage.

But even if Villar doesn’t make the opening day roster, he still has a chance to impress the Blue Jays’ coaching staff during spring training. With a strong performance, he could potentially be called up to the majors during the season. Villar is fully aware of this and is focused on making the most of any opportunity that comes his way.

At 28 years old, Villar knows that he is reaching a crucial point in his career. This may be his last chance to make an impact and secure a permanent spot in the majors. But instead of feeling the pressure, Villar is embracing the challenge and using it to push himself to be the best player he can be.

In conclusion, Carlos Villar’s situation may seem uncertain, but his determination and positive attitude are what will ultimately define his journey. He has put in the hard work and now it’s time for him to show the Blue Jays and the baseball world what he’s capable of. Whether he makes the opening day roster or not, one thing is for sure – Villar is a player to watch and he will do everything in his power to achieve his dream of becoming a major league pitcher.