George Springer isn’t fond of being labeled a designated hitter. He prefers to be called an offensive player, because he does more than swing for the fences—he runs the bases with purpose, sometimes stealing, other times taking advantage of moments to push the action.
This season, when Springer reaches first on a single, he’s often ending up at third or crossing home, the most in the Blue Jays’ lineup. He also leads Toronto in scoring from first on doubles and trails only Ernie Clement in scoring from second on singles. In all, Springer has stolen 12 bases this year, with a mix of steals, advances on fly balls, passed balls, wild pitches, balks, and even defensive indifference contributing to his high baserunning value. That effort lands him in the MLB 85th percentile for baserunning as a whole, and he’s tied with the likes of Jackson Merrill, Steven Kwan, and Alek Thomas in the same category for speed and smarts on the bases.
What separates Springer from many baserunners, though, is his success rate on steals: 13-for-13 this season, a testament to his willingness to risk it and his execution. Across his career, he’s shown a willingness to run at nearly every age bracket: in his 20s, he had 61.8 percent success rate (47 steals vs. 29 caught stealing in 744 games); in his 30s, he’s already posted 68 steals with only 11 caught stealing in 666 games, an 86.1 percent success rate.
And he can still swing the bat with power. Tuesday’s 7-3 win over the Pirates saw Springer belt his 20th homer of the season, a 423-foot shot to dead center that marked his ninth 20-homer season. He’s on pace for about 26 homers this year, the most he has hit since 2019. “It’s not something I think about,” Springer said of his power total. “It’s just one of those things where, in the moment, I’m glad to help the team. Once the year is over, you’ll probably sit back and look at your own numbers. But not right now.”
Springer’s early-season optimism proved prescient after some harsh spring talk about him being washed or cooked. He was candid about adjusting his approach during Grapefruit League play, and the results have followed. By Tuesday, his slash line stood at .292/.383/.514 with a 150 wRC+, placing him among the league’s top OPS hitters. He’s posted elite marks in chase, sweet-spot contact, and barrel rates, and his expected batting average, on-base average, and slugging all sit in the high percentile ranges.
His production has been crucial, especially when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. missed time with a left hamstring issue. Guerrero’s return has been tentative; he was not available off Toronto’s bench on Tuesday, and with an off day ahead and another one scheduled, the Blue Jays could give him more rest in the short term. The extra down time could help Guerrero recover fully, letting the Jays maintain their division lead and playoff positioning without pressing him back into action prematurely.
Springer has set a tone for Toronto’s offense. In the series-clinching win over Pittsburgh, he reached on a hit-by-pitch, stole second, and scored in the first inning; followed with a two-run homer in the second on a two-strike slider, and then lined a 104-mph single to left in the fourth after taking a patient 3-1 pitch. Jays manager John Schneider praised Springer’s approach, calling him the epitome of the team’s offensive philosophy: “He sets the tone. Whether it’s hitting home runs, grinding out at-bats, advancing on a dirt ball, scoring from first, stealing a base. He’s a leader and a driver for us.”
The night also featured a notable exchange with Max Scherzer, who complimented Springer’s approach and his influence on Toronto’s hitters. Scherzer’s performance—six innings of one-run ball—helped keep the game in the Jays’ favor, reinforcing the idea that Springer’s leadership and on-base aggression help the entire lineup stay productive even when key contributors are unavailable.
In a season where Toronto leads their division and holds a comfortable cushion entering the summer months, Springer’s multifaceted contributions have been a major reason why. He’s not just hitting home runs; he’s accelerating the offense with intelligent baserunning, steady contact, and timely power, while guiding teammates through the grind of a long season.
Key takeaways
– George Springer is driving the Blue Jays’ offense with power, speed, and smart baserunning.
– Toronto’s lineup remains dangerous even with Guerrero Jr. managing a hamstring issue, thanks in large part to Springer’s versatility.
– Springer’s leadership and consistent performance are shaping the team’s approach and its early-season success.
What to watch
– Guerrero Jr.’s status and rest schedule could impact the lineup in the coming days; expect managerial decisions to prioritize health for a long push toward October.
– The Jays’ ability to maintain offense without Guerrero will be tested against quality pitching, but Springer’s approach should help sustain production.
Summary
George Springer has emerged as a central catalyst for the Blue Jays, showcasing speed, power, and a hockey-like sense for when to make a move on the bases. His ongoing production and leadership have helped Toronto maintain a strong footing in the standings, even as Guerrero nuzzles back toward health. If Springer can keep this level of performance, the Jays will carry a dynamic offense into the heart of the season, with a positive outlook for continued success.
Hopeful note
Springer’s reclamation of elite form and his willingness to adapt midseason are encouraging signs for the Blue Jays’ playoff ambitions. With Guerrero gradually returning and Springer continuing to lead, Toronto appears poised to stay in the mix as a dangerous, well-rounded team through the dog days of summer.