Addison Barger continues to impress during his first taste of major league action, providing a much-needed spark for the Blue Jays during their recent series sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays. The 24-year-old infielder has shown remarkable poise at the plate, something manager John Schneider was quick to highlight following Sunday’s victory.
“He’s not trying to do too much,” Schneider told me in the clubhouse after the game. “We’re seeing a young player who’s comfortable in his own skin and just letting his natural abilities take over. That confidence in the batter’s box is exactly what we need right now.”
Barger’s approach has been refreshingly simple – see ball, hit ball. In his first seven games since being called up from Triple-A Buffalo, he’s batting .348 with two home runs and six RBIs. What’s particularly impressive is how he’s handled himself against left-handed pitching, historically a challenge for left-handed batters.
“I’m just trying to stay within myself,” Barger explained, adjusting his cap as we spoke near the dugout. “The coaches have been great about letting me know they believe in me, so I’m just trying to put good swings on good pitches.”
The Blue Jays’ front office has been patient with Barger’s development. Drafted in the sixth round back in 2018, he’s steadily climbed through the farm system, improving his plate discipline at each level. According to Toronto’s hitting coach, that methodical progression is now paying dividends.
“You can see the maturity in his at-bats,” the coach noted. “He’s not chasing pitches outside the zone, and when he gets something to hit, he’s not missing it.”
Sunday’s performance perfectly illustrated this approach. Barger worked a full count against Rays reliever Jason Adam before driving a hanging breaking ball into the right-field corner for a crucial double that sparked a three-run seventh inning.
What stands out about Barger’s early success is how seamlessly he’s transitioned to the majors. The jump from Triple-A to the big leagues is often described as the most challenging in professional sports, yet the Seattle native looks right at home.
“There’s always an adjustment period,” veteran infielder Whit Merrifield mentioned. “But some guys just have that natural ability to slow the game down. Addy’s one of those players.”
The timing couldn’t be better for Toronto. With the team fighting to stay in wild card contention, Barger’s emergence provides a much-needed offensive boost. The Blue Jays have struggled with consistent run production throughout much of the season.
Defensively, he’s been equally impressive, showing versatility by playing both second base and shortstop. His quick hands and strong arm have already saved several runs, including a diving stop up the middle in Saturday’s nail-biter that preserved a one-run lead.
According to Baseball Savant, Barger ranks in the 73rd percentile for outs above average among infielders with similar playing time, an impressive metric for a rookie.
For Toronto fans who’ve endured an up-and-down season, Barger represents hope – not just for this year’s playoff push, but for the organization’s future. His development, alongside other young talents like Davis Schneider and Orelvis Martinez, suggests the Blue Jays’ player development system is bearing fruit.
“The energy these young guys bring is contagious,” team captain Bo Bichette said. “You can feel it in the dugout, in the clubhouse. Everyone feeds off that enthusiasm.”
As the Blue Jays prepare for a crucial four-game series against the Yankees, all eyes will be on whether Barger can maintain this impressive start. The challenge will be significant, facing a New York pitching staff that ranks among the league’s best.
For now, Schneider’s advice to his young infielder remains refreshingly straightforward: “Do your thing.”
And so far, Barger’s “thing” is exactly what this team needs.
