Addison Barger Bio
Addison Barger (born November 12, 1999) is an American professional baseball third baseman and outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2024 and has quickly established himself as a notable player in the league. Barger is recognized for his significant achievements, including making history as the first player to hit a grand slam as a pinch hitter in World Series history in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Addison Barger was born in Bellevue, Washington, and moved to Florida at the age of six with his family, who were involved in missionary work. He was home-schooled, and his father constructed a full-size baseball field in their backyard to nurture his passion for the sport. To further his training, his father hired former minor league baseball player Luis Arzeno, who played a crucial role in developing Barger’s skills. At the age of 14, Barger was sent to the Dominican Republic for a two-week showcase in the Dominican Prospect League, which provided him with early exposure to competitive baseball.
In the following summer, his father created a travel team in Florida that included 15 Dominican teenagers from the prospect showcase. This team competed in tournaments against top teenage talent in Florida, allowing Barger to gain valuable experience. He later attended C. Leon King High School in Tampa, Florida, for his junior and senior years, where he continued to hone his baseball skills.
Path to Baseball
Addison Barger was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the sixth round of the 2018 Major League Baseball draft. He made his professional debut that same year with the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Blue Jays, where he recorded a .194 batting average, three home runs, and 18 runs batted in (RBI). In 2019, he played with the Rookie Advanced Bluefield Blue Jays of the Appalachian League, achieving a batting average of .283 with two home runs and eight RBI in just 13 games.
The year 2020 was challenging for Barger as he did not play due to the cancellation of the minor league season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he returned in 2021 to play for the Low-A Dunedin Blue Jays and High-A Vancouver Canadians, where he hit .244 with 18 home runs and 82 RBI in 96 games. His performance continued to improve, and in 2022, he recorded a .308 batting average, 26 home runs, and 91 RBI in a career-high 124 games, showcasing his potential as a rising star in the league.
Addison Barger Career
Early Career (2018-2022)
After being drafted, Addison Barger made a significant impact in the minor leagues, demonstrating his ability to hit for power and average. His early career saw him playing in various minor league teams, including the Gulf Coast League Blue Jays and the Bluefield Blue Jays. By 2022, he had established himself as a key player in the Blue Jays’ minor league system, earning recognition for his impressive statistics and consistent performance.
In November 2022, the Toronto Blue Jays added Barger to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, indicating the team’s confidence in his abilities. He began the 2023 season with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, where he continued to develop his skills and prepare for a major league opportunity.
Breakthrough (2024-Present)
Barger made his major league debut on April 24, 2024, after being promoted to the Toronto Blue Jays when Kevin Kiermaier was placed on the injured list. He quickly made an impact, collecting his first major league hit on April 29 against the Kansas City Royals. On July 29, he hit his first MLB home run in a game against the Baltimore Orioles, marking significant milestones in his rookie season.
In 2025, Barger achieved a historic moment in Game 1 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he hit his first career grand slam as a pinch hitter. This grand slam was notable for being the first hit by a pinch hitter in World Series history and the first in Blue Jays postseason history. His story of sleeping on a pullout sofa in a hotel room the night before the game went viral, adding to his growing popularity.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Addison Barger has made a name for himself with his impressive performances and historic achievements. His notable work includes his record-setting grand slam in the World Series and his consistent contributions to the Toronto Blue Jays. As of the end of the 2025 season, Barger has recorded a batting average of .229, with 28 home runs and 102 runs batted in.
Addison Barger Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Addison Barger has been recognized for his achievements on the field, including his historic grand slam in the World Series, which garnered significant attention and acclaim.
Addison Barger Awards Won
While specific awards won by Addison Barger have not been detailed, his notable achievements, including his grand slam in the World Series, highlight his impact in the sport.
Addison Barger Family
Addison Barger is married and has three children, including a daughter and two sons. His family life is an important aspect of his personal story, providing him with support as he navigates his professional career.
Personal Life
Barger maintains a private personal life, focusing on his family and career. His experiences growing up in a supportive environment have shaped his journey as a professional athlete.