The Toronto Blue Jays are giving infielder Addison Barger a shot at the major league level. With Kevin Kiermaier likely headed to the IL, Barger is being recalled to the Blue Jays roster and is expected to be active, per Johnny Giunta of the Gate 14 Podcast. The club’s No. 6 prospect according to MLB Pipeline is hitting a robust .314/.435/.586 through his first 19 games. He has spent time at third base and right field for Triple-A Buffalo. Barger has 10 doubles and three home runs to the strong Bisons lineup.
Blue Jays Recall Addison Barger
Barger has played 87 innings in the field, but has also put up 40 innings in the outfield. He was the Blue Jays sixth-round draft pick in 2018 who has progressed smoothly through the minor leagues. He’s been great in Triple-A this season, showcasing solid power and contact metrics while lifting the ball often. He can be a bit too passive at times, but he’s doing everything else to a strong degree. He’s walking as much as striking out (14:15 K:BB), and he has a fantastic 162 wRC+.
Still not over this freak Addison Barger swing from yesterday. A fastball six inches off of the plate inside blows up most hitters. Barger not only gets the barrel to it, but he somehow keeps it fair for a home run to right.
?️: @CLBClippers pic.twitter.com/KKXeKlDCar
— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) April 23, 2024
What Can Barger Bring to the Blue Jays
Barger is a left-handed bat who’s off to a great start. Where he fits in the lineup remains to be seen. Kevin Barker of the Blair and Barker Show, discussed what the prospect can bring to the table.
“When he’s getting a good pitch, he’s hitting it hard which is what they’re not doing at the big level. Right now with the way the lineup looks, I think it’s more about can he have a quality at bat against a guy with runners on base. I think that’s sort of where they’re at,” said Barker. “How much he plays, when will he play, I’m sure it could be against righties only and they’ll [Blue Jays] do a little platoon thing.”
Keith Law of The Athletic released the Blue Jays top 20 prospects of 2024. Here’s what he said of Barger:
“Barger’s come into some pretty decent power, with 26 home runs across three levels in 2022. Although he hurt his throwing elbow last year and didn’t repeat the performance. He’s played short, third, and right, and has utility value because of the versatility and the power, although he’s not a shortstop except in some emergencies and he’s going to have work at third base as he keeps getting bigger. If he sticks there, he could be a low-OBP 20-homer guy who plays every day. I think a utility role is more likely, as he doesn’t really have a position and the bat might not play every day in right or left.”
The Blue Jays Need Life in the Lineup
If Barger continues to find a way to hit and depending how long Kiermaier is out, hopefully he can hit the ground running with some quality at bats. The Blue Jays are hitting .235/.320/.374 collectively which has them eighth, fifth and eighth respectively in the American League. They need any sort of life in the lineup right now and Barger could be a small answer to the equation.
Main Photo: © Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
