Addison Barger Could Be Baseball’s Next Two-Way Star
The 2025 World Series has already been full of drama, but one of the most fascinating storylines isn’t about a team — it’s about a player. Addison Barger, the 25-year-old outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays, has suddenly become one of baseball’s hottest names, and not just because of his bat. After launching a 413-foot grand slam in Game 1, earning him the nickname “the hero of the first game,” Barger has continued to impress in ways few expected.
Right now, the series between the Dodgers and the Blue Jays is tied 2-2, and Barger’s impact has been impossible to ignore. He’s been hitting like a seasoned veteran, showing poise under pressure and an ability to change games with a single swing. But what’s really turning heads is his open desire to become something baseball hasn’t seen since Shohei Ohtani — a true two-way player.
It all started with a lighthearted moment during an interview with MLB Network. Barger casually said, “When you need a position player, put me in. I’ll give it my all.” That comment set off a storm of reactions across social media. Reporters later revealed that Barger has claimed he can throw as hard as 160 km/h — which translates to nearly 100 mph. And, believe it or not, there’s proof he might not be exaggerating.
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In Game 3 of the World Series, he fired a 98.5 mph throw from right field to gun down Freddie Freeman at home plate — a play that left fans in stunned silence. That single moment showed the kind of arm strength that could make his two-way dream a reality.
What makes this story even more remarkable is how far Barger has come in just a year. After a rough 2024 season, when he hit just .197, he bounced back in a big way in 2025, finishing with a .243 average, 21 home runs, and an OPS of .756 over 135 games. In the postseason, he’s been even better, batting .300 with three home runs and a .953 OPS.
Despite never pitching professionally — not even in the minors or spring training — Barger’s arm strength and confidence have people imagining what it would look like if Toronto actually gave him a chance on the mound. And naturally, comparisons to Shohei Ohtani have begun.
Ohtani, who just wrapped up another jaw-dropping season with 55 home runs, a .282 average, and a 2.87 ERA, has redefined what’s possible in baseball. But even he’s had to face the physical toll of being a two-way star. After his latest World Series start, Ohtani won’t pitch again until the summer of 2026, due to workload management.
Could Barger be the next to take on that mantle? Maybe not immediately, but the signs are there. His power, athleticism, and sheer determination make him the kind of player fans and scouts dream about.
As the World Series moves toward a crucial Game 5, the Dodgers are counting on Blake Snell to recover from his rocky first start, while Toronto hopes Barger continues to shine. Whether or not he ever steps on the mound, Addison Barger has already made his mark. And if the Blue Jays dare to let him pitch someday, baseball could be witnessing the rise of its next great two-way phenomenon.
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