How Addison Barger has taken things to the next level

Addison Barger's Baseball Savant page lights up like a Christmas tree.

The left-handed-hitting, Washington native is quickly becoming a fan favourite in Toronto, as he's completely broken out. Not only has he broken out, but he is just about the best hitter on the roster this year.

Barger's explosiveness is propelling the offence for the Blue Jays, and he's doing it by mashing off-speed pitches, although he's just about mashing everything. Barger is hitting .255 against off-speed (expected batting average of .362) with six home runs while slugging an incredible .681. For reference, in 2024, Barger hit .146 against off-speed pitches, with a slugging percentage of just .146. New hitting coach David Popkins may be the one who transformed Barger's approach, as he is terrorizing pitchers who throw him off-speed pitches.

How Addison Barger has taken things to the next level

If any Blue Jays fans, or fans of baseball in general, are bored, looking into Barger's Baseball Savant will be exhilarating for you. What jumps off the page the most is his average exit velocity of 93.6 mph (96th percentile) paired with the bat speed of 75.8 mph (95th percentile). Simply put, he swings the bat as hard as anyone in the league, which evidently leads to his hard-hit percentage of 54.6 (96th percentile). Baseballs around the world should genuinely be scared when Barger steps into the box.

During Toronto's recent 10-game win streak, Barger contributed with 11 hits, 13 RBI, and 4 home runs in just 35 at-bats. His approach at the plate, one that is beyond his years, is also worth noting. He can spray the ball from pole to pole while crushing not only fastballs, but breaking balls and off-speed too.

It's not like Barger is a liability on defence either, he is an amazing defender who's valuable at both third base and right field. The 6-foot 210-pounder is in the 100th percentile when it comes to arm strength, and he's more than capable of making jaw-dropping diving catches, despite his larger frame that wouldn't look out of place on a football field. Notably, he capped off the sweep of the Angels by ranging to his left and making a stunning diving catch, which came off Jo Adell's bat at 112 mph.

As previously mentioned, what’s impressive about Barger is the massive leap he’s made from last year to this year. In 2024, Barger was a walking suitcase, as he was optioned then recalled a few different times. That being said, his devlopment in Triple-A Buffalo paid off, as the metrics improvements are eye-opening. His hard hit percentage has improved to 54.6 from 38.3 in 2024. His slugging percentage is currently .506, after putting up a .351 in 2024. Barger has shown better discipline at the plate this season, too, with improvements in his strikeout rate, walk rate, and whiff percentage.

The Addison Barger breakout is the most entertaining thing to happen to this ball club right now, and there are plenty of options to choose from.

As it stands, the Blue Jays have an 88% chance of making the playoffs according to Fangraphs. Barger will look to carry his momentum into the All-Star break during a three-game set in Sacramento, a series that could give the Blue Jays a commanding five-and-a-half-game lead in the American League East.