Addison Barger Hits First Pinch-Hit Grand Slam in World Series History

Addison Barger made baseball history by hitting the first pinch-hit grand slam in the World Series

Addison Barger’s historic pinch-hit grand slam in the World Series has not only marked a legendary moment in baseball but also sparked a wave of interest among fans and collectors. The ball from that grand slam is now up for auction at Sotheby’s, alongside other memorabilia linked to Barger, spotlighting a young player with immense potential and a promising career ahead.

Key points:

• Addison Barger hit the first ever pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history during Game 1, giving the Toronto Blue Jays a 9-2 lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
• The historic ball is auctioned at Sotheby’s with a starting bid of US$3,200 and has official World Series certification.
• Barger finished his first full MLB season with strong postseason performances, including a .480/.536/.680 slash in the World Series.
• Despite some mid-season slumps and positional questions, Barger shows elite bat speed, power, and defensive arm strength.
• His overall season demonstrated improvement from previous years, with room to grow as he gains endurance and positional consistency.

The Historic Grand Slam and Its Legacy

On October 25, during Game 1 of the World Series, Addison Barger stepped up as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the sixth inning—a role known for its difficulty. He delivered a grand slam, a rare feat where a substitute batter hits a home run with bases loaded, scoring four runs and turning the tide decisively in favor of the Blue Jays. The moment gave Toronto a dominant 9-2 advantage against the Dodgers and instantly became a defining highlight of their postseason.

The ball from this historic at-bat was caught by Austin Jenkins, a Blue Jays fan seated just ten rows above the right field wall. Jenkins has kept the ball ever since, attaching a note of authenticity to confirm its provenance. Sotheby’s auction house, recognizing the ball’s significance, has certified it and presented the auction listing as one of the defining moments of Toronto’s playoff run. The bidding is competitive, with 28 bids registered at the time of writing, and will close on December 11, 2025.

Adding to Barger’s emerging legacy, memorabilia such as the sofa bed he reportedly slept on the night before that historic game at teammate Davis Schneider’s home have also drawn fan interest.

A Season of Growth and Potential

At 26, Addison Barger just completed his first full season in Major League Baseball, playing primarily with the Toronto Blue Jays. Across the season, he posted 21 home runs, 74 RBIs, and a .756 OPS, indicating solid offensive output. His defensive versatility was apparent as he split time between third base and right field, accumulating a 2.2 fWAR for the season.

Barger’s postseason was even more remarkable, highlighted by two home runs in the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners and an eye-popping slash line of .480/.536/.680 in the World Series. His pinch-hit grand slam stands as a signature moment that has fascinated fans and analysts alike.

Strengths on Offense and Defense

Barger’s skill set is notable for his raw physical tools and elite bat speed, allowing him to consistently generate hard contact. Last season, his average exit velocity was 91.7 mph, placing him in the 86th percentile across MLB. He also recorded a 51% hard-hit rate, ranking in the 91st percentile. These metrics underscore his ability to drive the ball with power — a key asset for a slugger.

Defensively, Barger’s standout feature is his exceptional arm strength, valuable in both the infield and outfield. While observation and highlight reels suggest Barger may be a better outfielder, statistical data favors his performance at third base, where he saved defensive runs and maintained league-average outs above average. In right field, however, he posted negative marks in the same metrics, indicating room for improvement.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

Last season revealed some streakiness in Barger’s offensive production. From May through July, he excelled, but he suffered a slump during August and September, with an OPS dropping to .583 and batting averages plunging below .200. However, his process during this decline showed resilience, as he increased his walk rate and reduced strikeouts, even though pitch selection and contact quality deteriorated.

The question remains whether the physical toll of a full 162-game MLB season contributed to the late-season decline. His strong rebound during the playoff games, which typically feature more rest days, supports this hypothesis.

Additionally, Barger faces positional uncertainty. While his arm strength serves well defensively, determining whether he will settle in at third base or right field is crucial for his future development. His defensive metrics currently favor third base, though he has experience in both.

Detailed Season Analysis

In 69 games last season, Barger’s overall hitting performance was mixed, with a .197/.250/.351 slash and 7 home runs in one partial season’s snapshot. Before progressing to full season play, he was ranked third among top prospects. Physically, Barger stands 6’0” and weighs 210 pounds, having added over 50 pounds of muscle since being drafted.

Barger’s swing is characterized by fierce rotation, enabling above-average exit velocities. In 2023 he refined his approach by reducing pop-ups and increasing contact rate, sometimes sacrificing fly-ball volume but maintaining significant power potential. His running speed is average, and defensive actions suggest limited fit at shortstop beyond a pinch role. His versatility allows him to fill roles across the infield and outfield, contributing as a corner utility player and a platoon partner.

Key performance metrics include:

• 1.2 bWAR and 2.2 fWAR, valuing him at approximately $17.6 million for the Blue Jays.
• A .322 weighted On Base Average (wOBA) and 107 weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+).
• Improved walk rate from 6.2% to 7.2%, reduced strikeout rate from 26.7% to 24.1%.
• Stable line drive and groundball rates, with increased fly-ball percentage and home run rate.
• Significantly reduced soft contact percentage and increased hard contact percentage.
• Notably better performance against right-handed pitchers than left-handed pitchers.
• Enhanced performance at home versus on the road.
• Strong batting outcomes with runners in scoring position (.295/.353/.508).
• More production in the first half of the season than in the second.

Month-by-month highlights further show bursts of high performance interspersed with dips, particularly in late season play. Defensively, Barger made six errors at third base and three in right field, performing closer to league average at third, but showing struggles in the outfield.

Playoff Resilience and the Road Ahead

Barger’s playoff performance was a high point, suggesting he thrives under pressure and in critical moments. Observations from Baseball Savage underscore his elite percentile rankings in hard-hit ball and bat speed, with arm strength rated in the 99th percentile. His powerful throws from both third base and right field have caused awe among observers.

While Barger displays traits typical of a “three true outcomes” hitter—high rates of walks, strikeouts, and home runs—a hallmark for many power hitters—his character and likability have won him fan admiration. A notable personal anecdote includes his refusal of Red Sox memorabilia from David Ortiz, reflecting his grounded nature.

Conclusion: A Promising Future for Addison Barger

Addison Barger is a young player with a remarkable milestone already in the books and clear signs of a bright career ahead. His first full season established him as a potent offensive force and a flexible defensive player, though there remain questions about durability and positional fit.

If Barger can improve his second-half consistency and decide on a definitive defensive role, the sky is the limit for his 2026 season and beyond. Blue Jays fans and baseball enthusiasts will be watching closely as he aims to follow his historic grand slam with years of sustained excellence. The lasting impression from his historic grand slam at the World Series is a tantalizing glimpse of the potential he holds.