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Blue Jays: Where does Addison Barger play in 2026?
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Photo credit: © John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Aidan Sinclair
Jan 23, 2026, 12:00 ESTUpdated: Jan 23, 2026, 08:43 EST
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The 2025 Toronto Blue Jays saw a plethora of players endear themselves to the fan base, with Addison Barger becoming a household name and a prized possession of the future. After making his Major League debut at 24 years old the year before, he blossomed into a powerful left-handed stick that contributed immensely during the Blue Jays’ World Series run. 
This offseason, the Blue Jays were rumoured to be in the market for a high-end bat, such as outfielders Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger. Those two bats have now signed elsewhere, creating an opportunity for Barger to earn full-time play in right field. 
Coming up through the Jays system as a middle infielder, Barger has moulded into a versatile defensive option, transitioning between third base and right field in 2025. This begs the question: where would he be best suited to play in 2026? 
With the recent signing of Kazuma Okamoto, a corner infielder hailing from Japan with limited outfield experience, Barger appears best suited to man right field in 2026.
His defensive metrics speak for themselves. In 2025, he posted a .970 fielding percentage in right field and his fielding-run-value of +1 in right field bested his mark of negative one at third base. Barger also led the American League with nine outfield assists, trailing Mike Yastrzemski by two for the Major League lead. 
Barger is by no means a premier defender in the league, though he has proven to be more consistent in right field in his young career. His arm strength averages 97mph, ranking in the 99th percentile – second best in the league – and he showed flashes of this strength throughout the entire calendar year while also being responsible for some highlight reel catches throughout the Blue Jays’ historic playoff run. 
With Daulton Varsho manning the center field position for at least another season, Barger’s fielding range of -3 ranking in the 20th percentile will not impact the Jays’ defensive strategy. His skill set profiles eerily similar to that of former Blue Jay great Jose Bautista, who demonstrated an ability to throw out runners with great success and make the occasional highlight-worthy dive. 
The Blue Jays’ infield appears set for the foreseeable future with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Andres Gimenez signed to long-term contracts, Ernie Clement under team control through the 2028 season and his plus positional flexibility, and Okamoto being able to handle third base and other outfield positions as needed. The Jays have signalled that Okamoto will play more of a utility role this upcoming season, but because the Jays missed on Tucker, Bellinger, and Bo Bichette, the Japanese star will likely be seeing more time at third base compared to other positions. 
With outfield vacancies looming after the 2026 season, Barger could cement himself as the everyday right fielder going forward. George Springer experienced a career resurgence in 2025, largely in part due to becoming a full-time DH and like Varsho, he too heads to free agency next winter. Once Springer likely moves on from his time in Toronto, Anthony Santander would shift to the DH position, leaving room for the Jays to prioritize a quality defender in left field to complement Barger’s throwing prowess. 
Apart from his defensive ability, Barger evolved from his rookie campaign offensively, turning into a premier power bat during the playoffs.
Most fans remember him for hitting the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history against Anthony Banda in Game One against the Dodgers, though his contributions reigned supreme over an extended playoff stretch. A .367 batting average combined with a 1.025 OPS in 17 playoff games made him a reliable force at the top of the lineup; a trend that should continue into 2026. 
Another year of development for Barger could see him reach even higher heights, with there being a real possibility he turns into the prized outfield piece the team has been seeking for years. A full year in right field could prove tremendously valuable long-term for the club. Look for Addison Barger to make a significant impact on both sides of the ball in 2026. 

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