George Springer caps 2025 with homer, stolen base in Jays’ finale
When George Springer, outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays, went 3-for-4 with a two‑run homer, a stolen base, and scored another run on Sunday, the 13‑4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays felt like a storybook ending to what became his career‑best campaign. The regular‑season finale, held on at Rogers Centre, gave Toronto a final surge before heading into the playoffs as the top seed in the American League.
Season‑long resurgence
Springer’s second‑half numbers were nothing short of spectacular. In the 50 games after the All‑Star break, he posted a .369 batting average with a 1.121 OPS, a jump that lifted his full‑season totals to a .309 average, .959 OPS, 32 homers, 84 RBI, 106 runs and 18 steals in 586 plate appearances. Those 32 home runs led the entire Blue Jays roster, while his 18 steals came on 19 attempts – a rarity in today’s power‑first game.
September alone saw him slash .328/.416/.642 over 17 games, racking up six homers, 11 RBI and 17 runs. Earlier that week, he cracked his 30th homer of the year against the Kansas City Royals, a milestone he hadn't reached since 2019.
From spring training woes to elite bat speed
It wasn’t always smooth sailing. In spring training, Springer hit just .108 in 37 at‑bats and went hitless on Opening Day. Yet the Blue Jays’ coaching staff, led by hitting coach Randy Flores, stuck by him. They focused on process, encouraging him to trust his swing mechanics even as hard‑hit balls turned into outs.
One of the biggest turning points was his bat speed. Early in the year it dipped below 72 mph; by August it was flirting with 74 mph – one of the largest gains league‑wide. That extra velocity translated into harder contact, with his exit velocity averaging 96 mph in the final three months.
Postseason fireworks
Springer’s playoff résumé grew even richer on Oct. 12, 2025, during Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners. He faced Bryce Miller and sent the first pitch over the right‑field wall – a 384‑foot, 109.4 mph blast with a 2,607 rpm spin. It marked the first leadoff home run in Blue Jays postseason history and ignited a chorus of “Let’s go Blue Jays” that echoed through the closed‑roof stadium.
The shot gave Springer his 21st career postseason homer, moving him past Derek Jeter into fifth place on the all‑time MLB list, trailing only Bernie Williams, Kyle Schwarber, José Altuve and Manny Ramírez.
Contract and franchise context
When Toronto signed Springer to a six‑year, $150 million deal in 2020, it was the biggest contract in franchise history. It signaled a shift from rebuilding to competing, a role later expanded by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s record‑setting extension and the steady presence of shortstop Bo Bichette.
Springer’s 2025 performance not only validated that gamble but also helped the Blue Jays defy preseason odds. Pundits had pegged them to finish at the bottom of the AL East; they entered the postseason as the top seed, chasing the franchise’s first World Series appearance since Joe Carter’s iconic walk‑off in 1993.
Local impact and the road ahead
The city of Toronto has rallied around the team. A viral video from the Toronto Police Mounted Unit promised Springer a pony ride if the Jays clinch the World Series – a tongue‑in‑cheek nod to the city’s love for its underdog heroes.
Looking forward, the Blue Jays must navigate a deep AL matchup in the Division Series. If Springer can keep his 74 mph bat speed and disciplined approach, he could once again be the catalyst that pushes the team over the final hurdle.
Key facts
- Springer finished 2025 with a career‑best .309 average and .959 OPS.
- He hit 32 homers, leading the Blue Jays, and stole 18 bases in 19 attempts.
- His postseason leadoff homer on Oct. 12 was the first in franchise history.
- The Jays entered the playoffs as the AL’s top seed after being slated last in preseason polls.
- Springer now ranks fifth all‑time in MLB postseason home runs (21).
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Springer’s performance affect the Blue Jays’ playoff chances?
Springer’s surge gave Toronto the offensive firepower it lacked early in the year. His .959 OPS and clutch hitting in September helped push the Jays to the top seed, meaning they face a lower‑seeded opponent in the Division Series and gain home‑field advantage throughout the AL playoffs.
What record did Springer break with his leadoff homer?
The blast became the first leadoff home run in Blue Jays postseason history and moved him into fifth place all‑time for career postseason homers, surpassing Derek Jeter with 21 total.
Why was Springer’s late‑season bat‑speed increase significant?
Increasing his bat speed from below 72 mph to near 74 mph gave him a measurable edge in hard‑contact ability, raising his exit velocity and slugging percentage. It was one of the biggest single‑player improvements in MLB for 2025, directly contributing to his power surge.
How does Springer’s contract compare to other Blue Jays stars?
Springer’s six‑year, $150 million deal was the largest in franchise history when signed in 2020. It has since been eclipsed by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s 10‑year, $480 million extension, but Springer's contract still ranks among the top deals for veteran outfielders in the AL.
What are the Blue Jays’ chances of reaching the World Series?
Analysts point to Toronto’s balanced roster, strong starting rotation, and now a hot‑batting Springer as key factors. While the AL is competitive, the Jays’ top seed and home‑field advantage boost their odds, though a World Series run still hinges on staying healthy and executing in close games.
Write a comment