MLB analyst expects Blue Jays veteran to take a significant step back in 2026

The Toronto Blue Jays were a fun team to follow last season. After years of expecting to make a deep postseason run, they finally did it in 2025, making it all the way to the World Series. 

Trying to stay contenders, the front office did its best to be aggressive over the winter months. They have made multiple big splashes that have put the rest of the league on notice. 

All in all, they will come into the new season with an upgraded rotation that consists of Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce. They will also have a new glove at third base in Kazuma Okamoto, which helps relieve the sting of losing Bo Bichette. 

MORE: Proposed Blue Jays trade sees Toronto land $4.26 million 2.07 ERA lefty reliever to balance out righty-led Jeff Hoffman, Tyler Rogers bullpen

MLB analyst expects Blue Jays veteran to take a significant step back in 2026

Toronto has a few players to thank for their 2025 success, like Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and George Springer. During his age-35 season, Springer was in his zone all season long, especially at the plate. 

Across 140 regular-season games, he hit .309/.399/.560 with 32 home runs and 84 runs batted in. That was his highest batting average he had ever finished with during the regular season, but is that sustainable?

Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter does not think so. 

"It looked like Springer might be a sunk cost when he posted a 91 OPS+ and 1.1 WAR in 145 games during what was unequivocally the worst season of his career in 224, and that raises some serious questions about the sustainability of his bounce-back performance. His batted-ball metrics were strong, but his .340 batting average on balls in play was still well above his .298 career mark, and that coupled with his age will make it difficult to come close to his stellar 2025 season."

Springer may be a product of a player playing well-above his expectations that could come crashing down the following year. We have seen it time and time again in this sport, but it is not guaranteed. 

Springer has what it takes to come out and parlay his offensive success into the 2026 season, and not many would bat an eye. It will be interesting to see how he looks this upcoming season.

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