The Toronto Blue Jays today announce the hiring of David Popkins as the club¡¯s Hitting Coach under Manager John Schneider.

¡°David¡¯s ability to game plan and connect with players in different ways is a really exciting addition to our coaching staff,¡± said Schneider. ¡°He's a true expert in all types of hitting information and will help our offensive strategy for each game. We¡¯re looking forward to the instant impact of his relentless work ethic.¡±

Popkins, 34, joins the Blue Jays for his fourth season on a Major League coaching staff and will oversee Toronto¡¯s offence. The San Diego, CA, native spent the last three seasons as a Hitting Coach for the Minnesota Twins, where in 2023, they finished tied for the American League lead in home runs (233), marking their second-most in franchise history. During his tenure, the Twins ranked top five in the American League in extra base hits, home runs, OBP, SLG, OPS, average exit velocity, and hard-hit rate. He also worked within the Los Angeles Dodgers minor league system as a hitting coach for two years. Prior to his coaching career, Popkins played three seasons in the St. Louis Cardinals minor league system.