Blue Jays Announce Coaching News on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Dec 10, 2025 4:08 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays had an incredible year in 2025, winning the AL East division title and advancing to the World Series for the first time since 1993.

Although Toronto fell in heartbreaking fashion in Game 7 of the Fall Classic, the run marked a significant step forward for the organization and signaled that the club is firmly back among baseball’s elite.

The Blue Jays’ offense was the driving force behind their success, frequently overwhelming opposing pitching staffs.

During the regular season, Toronto scored 798 runs, ranking fourth across MLB, and carried that momentum into October. In the postseason, the lineup averaged 5.8 runs per game, fueling a deep playoff push that captivated fans across Canada.

Multiple hitters enjoyed resurgent campaigns, including designated hitter George Springer, while role players consistently delivered at the plate, giving the lineup remarkable depth.

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider.David Butler II-Imagn Images

A major catalyst for this offensive surge was David Popkins, who thrived in his first season as Toronto’s hitting coach. Under his guidance, the Blue Jays led the majors in batting average (.265) and on-base percentage (.333) while also putting the ball in play more often than any other team.

This new offensive identity not only carried Toronto to the World Series but also reshaped the way the club approached its at-bats.

On Wednesday, Popkins was recognized for his impact, earning Baseball America’s 2025 Coach of the Year honor. The Blue Jays celebrated the achievement on X.

“Brought the POP Hitting Coach David Popkins is Baseball America’s 2025 @MLB Coach of the Year!” the team wrote.

Brought the POP

Hitting Coach David Popkins is Baseball America's 2025 @MLB Coach of the Year! pic.twitter.com/VdmjCpVYaK
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) December 10, 2025

For Toronto, the award underscores how pivotal Popkins has been in building an offense capable of contending for championships.

His coaching career began in 2019 when the Los Angeles Dodgers named him hitting coach for their Arizona League affiliate. Two years later, he advanced to the Great Lakes Loons, continuing to refine his approach with young hitters.

In 2021, the Minnesota Twins hired Popkins as their major league hitting coach, a role he held until October 2024. Shortly after parting ways with Minnesota, he joined the Blue Jays, where his immediate impact was undeniable.

With Popkins now firmly established in Toronto, the Blue Jays enter 2026 confident their offensive identity can sustain championship aspirations.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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