All eyes on Guerrero as Jays open camp

superstar if he spends slightly less than a full season on the 25-man roster in 2019.

Players typically require three full years of service time before they’re eligible for arbitration, the process that allows them to accelerate their salary before hitting free agency.

Atkins maintained Thursday they would handle the situation based on the needs of both Guerrero and the team.

“We focus on development, we focus on what’s best for that player to be a better player and what’s best for the Toronto Blue Jays,” he said.

“Everyone is aware of timelines and the rules of the game . ... We’re just going to focus on putting the best team together and how we help Vladdy become a better player and that’s not different for any player,” Atkins added.

Guerrero, the son of Hall of Famer and former Expo Vladimir Guerrero, tore through double-A and triple-A pitching in 2018, hitting .402 through 61 games with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and .336 in 30 games with the Buffalo Bisons.

He’s done what he can to prove he’s ready for a promotion to the majors, but Atkins said spending six weeks before the season on the big league side of camp will only help Guerrero — and the other young players on Toronto’s roster — in the future.

“I’m saying we’ll see how spring training progresses. This will be an important part ... of his development,” he said. “First major league spring training, first time he’s here on a regular basis. Being in and around the major league environment and playing on a regular basis (against) other major league teams will be an important part of his development.”