Blue Jays Nation’s Mid-Season Prospect Countdown – No. 8: Addison Barger

Originally posted on Bluejaysnation | By Ryley Delaney | Last updated Sep 20, 2024 3:00 PM ET

The Blue Jays may have their third baseman of the future with today’s prospect.

This is Blue Jays Nation’s annual Mid-Season top prospect list, where we’ll look at the 35 best prospects in the Blue Jays system. We’ll look at the player’s stats, my observations, and other publication’s scouting reports if available.

Let’s take a look at our eighth-best prospect, Addison Barger!

Getting to know Addison Barger…

Position: Third base/Outfield

Bats: Left

Born: November 11, 1999

Acquired: 6th-round, 2018 draft (Blue Jays)

Previous ranking: 8

After being drafted, Addison Barger slashed .194/.318/.322 with three home runs in 214 plate appearances in 2018 for an 88 wRC+. He improved slightly the following season, slashing .283/.345/.434 with two home runs in 58 plate appearances, but he missed most of the season as he ended up on the restricted list.

Fast forward to 2021, and Barger had a successful season in Single-A, where he slashed .249/.334/.492 with 18 home runs in 374 plate appearances, but had a rather high K% of 32.9%, along with a 9.6 BB%.

With that being said, Barger’s breakout season came in 2022 with the High-A Vancouver Canadians, Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats, and Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. That year, he slashed .308/.378/.555 with 26 home runs in 526 plate appearances. Moreover, his K% dropped to 24.9%.

ADDISON. BARGER.

GAME-TYING HOME RUN! pic.twitter.com/jNK3TGffez

— Buffalo Bisons (@BuffaloBisons) September 27, 2022

Added to the 40-man roster during the 2022-23 off-season, Barger missed a large chunk of the 2023 season due to an elbow injury, on top of a rough start. With Buffalo, he finished with a .250/.353/.403 slash line with nine home runs in 397 plate appearances for a 92 wRC+.

Barger returned to form in Triple-A this season, as he slashed .260/.391/.466 with nine home runs in 249 plate appearances, along with a 16.1 BB% and a 19.3 K% for a 127 wRC+. After an early season stint, he was sent back to Buffalo, but has since become a regular.

So far this season with the Blue Jays, Barger is slashing .210/.249/.382 with seven home runs in 198 plate appearances, along with a 4.5 BB% and a 27.8 K%. Since returning on July 25, Barger is slashing .242/.281/.483, with all seven of his homers coming in those 128 plate appearances. Moreover, he has a 113 wRC+, along with a 4.7 BB% and a 25.8 K%.

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT!

Addison Barger wins the game for the @BlueJays with a walk-off home run. pic.twitter.com/gJ9UmoTVVc

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 24, 2024

Out of the five tools, Barger’s best tool is by far his power. It’s a violent swing that does damage when it connects, but can also lead to plenty of swings and misses. Barger also has a strong arm that is well-suited to third base or right field. The hit tool isn’t great and he won’t hit for a high average, but who cares if he hits 25+ home runs a season?

This article first appeared on Bluejaysnation and was syndicated with permission.

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