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'I was blindsided': David Popkins reveals the strange way he ended up with the Toronto Blue Jays


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Bobby Ohr
August 30, 2025  (4:47 PM)
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Blue Jays hitting coach David Popkins speaks on joining the Blue Jays #bluejays #mlb
Photo credit: Last word on sports

The Toronto Blue Jays biggest acquisition of the off-season was arguably hitting coach David Popkins who recently spoke about how he ended up in Toronto during an interview.

The Blue Jays made some massive changes to their staff at the end of last season and one of their first hires was Popkins as the new hitting coach after letting go of Guillermo Martinez.

Blue Jays hitting coach David Popkins reveals how he landed in Toronto

Popkins sat down with the Athletic this week to speak on his first season with the Blue Jays and how well it has been going while also speaking of how he landed in Toronto.
During the interview, Popkins admitted that he was sure the Minnesota Twins would re-new his contract as he believed it was already agreed upon but admitted that he was blindsided when they let him go.
" 'We had kind of agreed I was going to be extended for several years' said Popkins. 'I thought that was already agreed upon, When it happened I was blindsided. There was initial shock. But as soon as you get those calls from other team, you feel the body of work was notice and appreciated, and you forget about it pretty quick...I love where I'm at." -Popkins

Popkins did not expect to end up in Toronto this season but is clearly very happy with how things worked out as he is now loved by the fan base in Toronto for all he has done in a short period of time.
After thinking he'd get a new contract with the #MNTwins , hitting coach David Popkins adjusted those plans and has found a new home with a very good #BlueJays offense.
There has been very few factors that have impacted the Blue Jays roster as much as Popkins has this season and the biggest proof is George Springer who has found his swing once again.
The Blue Jays will clearly be keeping Popkins for a long time with how well he has done this season.
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'I was blindsided': David Popkins reveals the strange way he ended up with the Toronto Blue Jays

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