Jays Journal's Top 30 Blue Jays Prospects - 2024 Update

4. Addison Barger- AAA (Previous Rank: 4)
24 y.o / LHH / 3B/OF

Barger didn't have the year anyone hoped for coming off his huge 2022 but he added versatility in the field and his hitting profile remains enticing. Prior to being sidelined with an elbow issue he had a 31.0% K% and a 11.5% BB%. After returning to AAA in June, Barger had a much improved 19.0% K% and 13.5% BB%. He was more patient this year and maintained a good chase rate. He employs a big leg kick and did a better job of harnessing his swing this year, cutting down swing and miss significantly. The problem is that his swing path itself was below average and he struggled to elevate the ball with authority like he had done in the past. Barger's high end exit velocity numbers are elite but his average exit velocity is simply above average, indicating that despite his great strength he can struggle with mishits and getting jammed. The components of a great hitter are all present but some mechanical inconsistencies stand in the way of it all clicking in time for his MLB debut. Defensively, Barger moved all over the diamond in 2023. He has solid footwork and hands at third base with a cannon for an arm that gives him more buffer time than others. His lateral mobility can limit his range and might be a factor in him seeing significant work in right field especially to end the year. He picked up the outfield relatively quickly and already looked the part of an average defender there.