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Addison Barger’s versatility gives the Blue Jays options in free agency
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Photo credit: © Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Ryley Delaney
Nov 10, 2025, 15:00 ESTUpdated: Nov 10, 2025, 02:41 EST
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If any Toronto Blue Jay proved they should be a full-time big leaguer during the 2025 postseason, it was Addison Barger.
It was clear from the regular season that Barger deserves to be a full-time player moving forward. In the regular season, he slashed .243/.301/.454 with 21 home runs in 502 plate appearances for a 107 wRC+. Included in that sample size were his struggles in the final two months of the season.
Barger hit a whole other level in the postseason, as the 25-year-old slashed .367/.441/.583 with three home runs in 68 plate appearances for a 188 wRC+. Moreover, he increased his walk rate to 11.8%, while his K% dropped to 17.6%.
Throughout the season, the question was where the left-handed batter should play. Thanks to a strong arm, Barger is capable of playing both third base and right field. The 25-year-old also has experience playing second base.
In the regular season, Barger played 613.1 innings at the hot corner, finishing with 1 Defensive Runs Saved, 0 Outs Above Average, and -1 Fielding Run Value. He also spent significant innings in right field, finishing with -4 DRS, -4 OAA, and 1 FRV in 413 innings.
Thanks to his versatility, the Blue Jays can pursue a few big-name bats in free agency. The Jays could look to add a third baseman such as Munetaka Murakami, Eugenio Suárez, or Alex Bregman. Or, they can look to add an outfielder, with Kyle Kucker, Cody Bellinger, and Trent Grisham being the most notable targets.
If the Blue Jays are unable to sign any of those free agents, as well as Bo Bichette, Barger’s versatility still comes into play as he can play third base while Ernie Clement shifts over to second base. This is the least ideal option, but Barger’s versatility makes it an option at the very least.
It would be shocking to see the Blue Jays miss out on top free agents, given they were two outs away from the World Series. Assuming they sign a notable free agent bat or two, they must find a way to put Barger’s bat in the lineup. The 25-year-old proved he is an everyday player in 2025, but his versatility allows the Blue Jays to be flexible in free agency.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.

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