Blue Jays’ Ross Atkins Expresses Excitement Over Brett Bateman

Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Blue Jays’ Ross Atkins Expresses Excitement Over Brett Bateman

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Pardon Joshua | Last updated Oct 1, 2026 11:07 AM ET

Brett Bateman gave the Toronto Blue Jays plenty to like after joining the club during the second half of the 2026 season. General manager Ross Atkins praised the rookie outfielder while also making it clear that Toronto does not want to put too much pressure on him heading into next season.

Atkins discussed Bateman during his end-of-season media availability Wednesday. He credited the 24-year-old with making an impressive transition from the minor leagues and pointed to his confidence and understanding of the game.

“I don’t think he could have transitioned any better from the minor leagues,” Atkins said, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet. He also cited Bateman’s “moxie” and “baseball IQ” while cautioning against expecting the rookie to immediately repeat his 2026 production over a full season.

Asked about Brett Bateman, Ross Atkins said: “I don’t think he could have transitioned any better from the minor leagues.” Cited Bateman’s moxie & baseball IQ. Added “we need to be cautious of how much pressure we put on players.” Can’t just copy and paste 2026 for 162 games.
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) September 30, 2026

Bateman finished his first major league season with a .329 batting average, a .402 on-base percentage and a .424 slugging percentage. He recorded 52 hits, two home runs, 11 RBIs and three stolen bases in 41 games and 181 plate appearances.

The performance came after Toronto acquired Bateman from the Chicago Cubs at the Aug. 2 trade deadline. The Blue Jays sent veteran right-hander Kevin Gausman to Chicago in exchange for Bateman and infielder Ty Southisene, giving Toronto two young pieces as it shifted its focus toward the future.

Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Brett Bateman (21) Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Toronto finished 79-83 and fifth in the American League East, 19 games behind the division-leading Tampa Bay Rays. The Blue Jays also finished with a minus-46 run differential, underscoring the offensive and roster issues Atkins will need to address this offseason.

Injuries also affected Toronto’s outfield depth. Anthony Santander underwent left shoulder surgery and missed most of the season before beginning a minor league rehab assignment in September, while Addison Barger finished the year on the injured list after undergoing right elbow surgery.

That context makes Bateman’s emergence important, but Atkins does not want the Blue Jays to treat his 2026 performance as a guarantee. “We need to be cautious of how much pressure we put on players,” Atkins said, adding that Toronto “can’t just copy and paste 2026 for 162 games,” according to Nicholson-Smith.

For now, Bateman has given Toronto a promising young option in the outfield. The Blue Jays will have to decide how much responsibility to place on him in 2027 while continuing to build a roster around a player who exceeded expectations in his first major league opportunity.

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

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