Blue Jays' hitting coach David Popkins believes Astros mismanaged Jesus Sanchez
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The Toronto Blue Jays are trying to get Jesus Sanchez back to what makes him valuable again, and hitting coach Popkins is determined to help the young slugger reach his full potential.
The Toronto Blue Jays believe they can help Jesus Sanchez rediscover the version of himself that once made him such an intriguing power threat, and hitting coach
David Popkins is committed to unlocking that potential.
Toronto's faith in Sánchez goes beyond raw strength and bat speed.
The organization is convinced that what went wrong for the outfielder in Houston had more to do with philosophy than talent.
When the Houston Astros acquired Sánchez from the Miami Marlins last July, the appeal was obvious.
He was coming off a 2024 campaign in which he piled up 44 extra-base hits, flashing the kind of left-handed power clubs covet.
Statistically, he stood out in all the right areas - ranking in the top 10 percent of the league in hard-hit rate, average exit velocity and bat speed.
On paper, he fit perfectly in Houston's lineup. In reality, it unraveled quickly.
Sánchez struck out 40 times and collected just 29 hits across 160 at-bats with the Astros.
Sánchez struck out 40 times and collected just 29 hits across 160 at-bats with the Astros.
His OPS+ finished 31 percent below league average, and within months he was on the move again - this time heading to Toronto in a deal that sent Joey Loperfido to back to Houston.
Over 580 major-league games, Sánchez has produced 4.8 bWAR. Loperfido, in 122 games, owns a 1.1 mark.
Long term, there's room to debate who may offer more value. But for this season, the Blue Jays are betting on Sánchez, and that's what matters most in the present.
Popkins believes the issue wasn't simply poor performance. It was misalignment.
Popkins believes the issue wasn't simply poor performance. It was misalignment.
«He went over to Houston, and they had some ideas for him to change some things,» Popkins told MLB.com's Keegan Matheson. «It kind of went more towards weakness prevention than his strengths.»
Popkins wants Sanchez to play free, not overthinking mechanics.
In other words, the Astros' approach emphasized minimizing flaws rather than maximizing what Sánchez does best.
Toronto's adjustment is subtle but meaningful. Instead of overhauling his swing to trim strikeouts or improve chase metrics, the Blue Jays are prioritizing rhythm, confidence and aggression. They want Sánchez playing free - not overthinking mechanics.
Meanwhile, Houston's offensive direction shifted late in the season.
Manager Joe Espada publicly questioned the club's plate approach, and the Astros moved on from hitting coaches Alex Cintrón and Troy Snitker after the year ended.
The environment around Sánchez was evolving rapidly.
That doesn't excuse the numbers. But it helps explain them.
Now in Toronto, the message is simple: lean into your strengths, trust your power and let it play.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 28|115 ANSWERS Blue Jays' hitting coach David Popkins believes Astros mismanaged Jesus Sanchez Can Toronto Blue Jays hitting coach David Popkins fix Jesus Sanchez? | ||
| Yes | 85 | 73.9 % |
| No | 3 | 2.6 % |
| Too early to tell | 27 | 23.5 % |
| List of polls | ||