It’s Addison Barger’s time to shine for the Blue Jays

When it became evident that Daulton Varsho would be activated off the IL for the series opener against the Red Sox, there was plenty of speculation on what the corresponding roster move would be to make room for him. The most popular choices were Alan Roden and Nathan Lukes, with a few people suggesting Addison Barger only because he needs everyday at-bats.

Well, it turns out Barger will be getting everyday playing time moving forward, and it won’t be with the Bisons.

Yesterday afternoon news came down that Will Wagner was the odd man out after he was optioned to AAA creating a very interesting roster construction for the Blue Jays in which they now roster seven outfielders on the 26 man roster, between Daulton Varsho, George Springer, Anthony Santander, Alan Roden, Nathan Lukes, Myles Straw, and Addison Barger, it now forces Barger back into mainly an infield role.

So what does that look like for Barger moving forward? Well, he’s now set up to get the lion’s share of starts at third base as the strong side of a platoon option. This is a massive opportunity for Barger, for the first time in his career, he’s set up to get everyday playing time and a chance to seize hold of a starting job moving forward. The Blue Jays sure hope he does just that because he represents something they just don’t have much of outside of a couple of guys, the ability to hit the ball over the fence. Barger is a toolshed, there’s simply no other way to put it.

Going off his 2024 season, he ranked in the 83rd percentile in bat speed, 74th percentile in max exit velocity, 68th percentile in sprint speed, and 99th percentile in arm strength. His ceiling is higher than any of the current Blue Jays bubble players aside from maybe Orelvis Martinez. When it comes to these types of low-floor, very high ceiling guys, it takes a little while for it to show up in games, so a little patience is needed for potentially a massive payoff.