6 surging players who have transformed the Blue Jays into buyers at the 2025 Trade Deadline

The Blue Jays started the season 14-16 after April, but a winning record over the next three months has the team sitting at the top of the AL East. The team is 18-14 against teams in their division this season, including a 7-3 record versus the New York Yankees.

The surge to the top of the division is a slight surprise after the slow start and injuries to key players, but these players have picked up the slack exceptionally.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

After signing his $500 million, 14-year contract, Vladdy started the season slow, batting .267 with 13 runs, and 14 knocked in over March and April. He didn't hit his first home run until April 16, the 20th game of the season. Since then, he has hit .297 with a total of 13 home runs, 64 runs, and 50 knocked in. The 26-year-old is playing like the superstar who deserves a massive contract.

Addison Barger

Barger has had a roller coaster rookie season, but has been one of the Blue Jays' hottest hitters in July. He hit .185 over 27 at-bats in March, then hit .292, .239, and .333 over the next three months. In July, he has hit five home runs, scored 11 runs, and knocked in 18 runs. Barger started the season platooning in right field or at third base when facing right-handed pitchers.

With Anthony Santander on the injured list since May 30, the rookie has been a nearly everyday starter in the lineup, primarily in right field. Santander has no timetable for a return, so the Blue Jays need Barger to continue his hot month. According to Baseball Savant, Barger has an average exit velocity of 93.1 mph off the bat, which leads the team and ranks in the top seven percent of MLB.

George Springer

Springer struggled in 2024, hitting .220/.303/.371 with only 19 home runs, 74 runs, 56 knocked in, and only 16 stolen bases over 145 games. He's bounced back this season, nearly meeting last season's totals with 17 home runs, 60 runs, 55 knocked in, and 12 stolen bases. He's having his best month of the season in July, hitting .358/.442/.657 helping him put together his best statistical season since 2019, when he was with the Houston Astro.

Alejandro Kirk

Kirk has been a massive surprise at the plate this season, hitting .304/.362/.412, with seven home runs, 27 runs, and 46 batted in, over his 306 at-bats. His at-bats are only 164 behind his career high (470) set in 2022.

Kirk has even been outstanding behind the plate. He's thrown out 27.1 percent of runners trying to steal, only behind his best (31.0 percent) that he set last season, although he's only 131 innings behind the previous season's total. Kirk staying healthy will be a key factor over the second half of the season.

Eric Lauer

Lauer has been the MVP of the pitching staff. He's had to jump into the starting rotation with Alex Manoah missing the entire season so far, and Bowden Francis going on the injured list on June 17. Lauer pitched in the Korean Baseball Organization last season and has excelled in his return to MLB. In his return to MLB this season, the lefty has started nine of his 15 games pitched, and overall has a 2.80 ERA and a 65:18 strikeout:walk ratio. When either Manoah or Francis returns, it'll be interesting what the Blue Jays do with Lauer.

Brendon Little

Little is setting career numbers in his second full MLB season. He's been a workhorse in the bullpen, being the only left-handed pitcher while Lauer has been starting games. In 46 1/3 innings this season, his career high, he has posted a 1.94 ERA and struck out 69 batters. It'll be interesting if the Blue Jays address the left-handed bullpen arms during the last week of the Trade Deadline.

These five players have been instrumental to the Blue Jays' early success, and fans are hoping it can continue. The Blue Jays need a strong second half from these players and other stars if they want to win their first division title since 2015.