The Toronto Blue Jays have a clear decision that needs to be made regarding George Springer
Photo credit: Jays Journal
George Springer came into the 2025 season under heavy scrutiny following two disappointing years.
The criticism intensified in March when he hit just .108 over 15 spring training games, leading many Blue Jays fans to believe he'd once again be a weak spot in the lineup.
Blue Jays should consider returning George Springer to the leadoff position.
Vanessa Serrao from Jays Journal writes that through the first seven weeks of the 2025 MLB season, George Springer has looked like a completely different player, his resurgence has come at the perfect time for the Blue Jays.
"After two years of Blue Jays fans begging manager John Schneider to move Springer out of the leadoff spot, it's time for the team to consider moving him back to the top of the lineup." -Serrao
And it's been a major success for the Blue Jays so far. Entering the weekend, Springer was slashing .279/.390/.488 with five home runs, 18 RBIs, and an impressive 149 OPS+.
Ironically, even while hitting fifth or sixth in the lineup, he's been performing more like a prototypical leadoff hitter. He's seeing 4.21 pitches per plate appearance, up significantly from 3.74 last season, and ranks in the 98th percentile in chase rate, showcasing his improved plate discipline.
That's not to say that advocating for Springer to reclaim the leadoff spot is a knock on Bo Bichette. In fact, Bichette has been a solid contributor at the top of the order this season, slashing .290/.338/.415.
But sliding him down in the lineup could allow the Blue Jays to better capitalize on his ability to consistently put the ball in play, especially with more runners on base, writes Serrao.
"All this comes with the caveat that the Blue Jays might not want to mess with a good thing. While the team's lineup is still a little all over the place, Bichette and Springer are one of four everyday players with an OPS+ above 100, so the team might not want to mess with what's been working." -Serrao
What's clear is that Springer isn't the same hitter he was a year ago, and that's a good thing. Bumping him up in the lineup could provide a much-needed spark for a Blue Jays offense that's searching for consistency.
Previously on Blue Jays Insider
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