Addison Barger breaking out from under-the-radar status

Toronto Blue Jays fans have been enjoying Addison Barger's breakout season since the middle of May. The 25-year-old left handed hitter has been one of the best and most consistent hitters since the Blue Jays took off as a team.

In May, he slashed .292/.370/.517 with four home runs and 12 RBIs. He added five home runs in June, despite some of his other numbers taking a dip. But in July, he his six home runs and slugged .568. That power production has continued into August with three home runs and a .559 SLG.

Addison Barger breaking out from under-the-radar

Despite posting these numbers for the better part of the last three-and-a-half months, it's likely only Blue Jays fans have heard of Barger. But that could be changing as the season hits the stretch run, as Barger has been labelled as one of nine under-the-radar players who is stepping up for their contending team by MLB.com

MLB insider Brian Murphy writes, "There are many players responsible for why the Blue Jays are MLB's most improved offense by expected wOBA and are tied for second in wRC+. Bo Bichette, George Springer and Alejandro Kirk have all had resurgent seasons, but most are likely familiar with that All-Star trio. Barger, however, may be a new name to some. The 25-year-old has emerged as a crucial middle-of-the-order basher for Toronto, especially with the club in its third month without marquee free-agent addition Anthony Santander."

Murphy points out that it's Barger's ability to hit the ball really hard and make consistent contact that is helping build his case.

"The barrel-chested Barger owns an impressively fast bat, and that has helped him produce a lot of firm contact. His 54.2% hard-hit rate is a 16-point jump from his 2024 rookie year and ranks in the 96th percentile of MLB this season. His .506 slugging percentage and .823 OPS are also much better than his 2024 totals (.351 and .601, respectively). He racked up 18 extra-base hits in 225 plate appearances last season; he has 43 XBHs in 351 PAs this season."

It is great recognition for Barger who went from a prospect that had some potential, to a major leaguer that is part of a team with major playoff aspirations. One of the knocks against Barger is that he has struggled against lefties, with just one of his 17 home runs coming against southpaws, while owning just a .231/.286/.369 slash line.

But when the Blue Jays are hot, Barger is a big part of why they are. Toronto is 69-50 through August 10, and Barger has appeared in 57 of their wins. In those 57 games, Barger has hit 12 home runs,, driven in 42 runs, scored 41 runs and has a .919 OPS. plus a .340 BAbip.

Barger's breakout coinciding with the Blue Jays getting hot is no coincidence and he's a player that is starting to get even more recognition around the league for his contributions to a first place team.