Toronto Blue Jays infielder/outfielder Addison Barger will undergo season-ending elbow surgery, concluding his 2026 season. The specific type of surgery, whether Tommy John or an internal brace alternative, has not yet been announced. The recovery time for Tommy John surgery is estimated at nine months, while an internal brace alternative typically requires six months.
Barger is currently on the 60-day injured list and will remain there for the rest of the season. This development means he will miss the remainder of the current campaign and potentially a portion of the 2027 season as well.
Barger’s Season and Previous Injuries
The 2026 season has been significantly impacted by injuries for Barger. He made eight appearances early in the year before a left ankle sprain sidelined him. After being reinstated from the injured list in May, he played in one additional game.
During that game, Barger made a strong throw from the outfield, which was followed two days later by his placement back on the injured list due to elbow inflammation. It is not confirmed if the injury occurred during that specific throw, as he completed the game. The Blue Jays had initially expressed optimism for a quicker return, but Barger experienced several setbacks, including a stress reaction in his back, preventing him from getting back on track.
Manager John Schneider commented on the team’s loss, stating it is difficult to miss an entire year of at-bats, reps, and performance from Barger. Schneider noted that the team had been counting on him to be a significant contributor.
Team Impact and Other Injuries
Barger’s absence is a considerable blow to the Blue Jays, especially given his role in the team’s World Series run last year. In that season, he hit 21 home runs and posted a .243/.301/.454 slash line, adding three more home runs during the postseason. Hopes were high for Barger and the team to continue their momentum into 2026, but he has largely been unavailable.
The Blue Jays have faced numerous injuries across their starting rotation, bullpen, and position player groups throughout the season. Another key offensive player, Anthony Santander, is also expected to miss the entire season due to a series of injuries since signing a long-term free agent contract with the team. Santander, who signed a five-year, $92.5 million contract before the 2025 season, played in 54 games this season, hitting five doubles and six home runs with 18 RBIs.
With Barger out, Kazuma Okamoto is expected to be the regular at third base. The outfield composition is more fluid, with players such as Daulton Varsho, Nathan Lukes, George Springer, Yohendrick Piñango, Davis Schneider, and Myles Straw currently on the roster. Jesús Sánchez is on the injured list but recently began a rehab assignment. Santander could potentially return late in the year after shoulder surgery, though his return is not guaranteed. Jonatan Clase and Lenyn Sosa are also on the injured list, and Rudy Martin was recently claimed off waivers and sent to Triple-A.
The team entered Friday in fifth place in the American League East with a 47-56 record, 12.5 games behind the division leader.
Looking Ahead
The Blue Jays may consider making trades before the August 3 deadline. Varsho and Springer are impending free agents, though Springer’s trade could be complicated by his 10-and-5 rights. Straw’s deal includes an $8MM club option for next year with a $1.75MM buyout, which is considered somewhat pricey for a glove-first fourth outfielder, making his departure likely.
Sánchez remains under club control through 2027 and is making $6.8MM this year, with an arbitration raise expected, so the team is open to offers. Lukes, under club control for four more years, is 32 years old, and the Blue Jays might consider trading him while his value is high.
Ideally, Barger is expected to return by Opening Day 2027.
The composition of the team around him will depend on upcoming trades and offseason moves.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
