Blue Jays designated hitter Springer named player of the year by Toronto beat writers

TORONTO — Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer was named the team’s player of the year by the Toronto chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America on Wednesday.

Springer, who hit .309 this past season with 32 homers and 84 RBIs, picked up 19 of 20 first-place votes. First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had the other first-place vote.

Springer (eight first-place votes) also edged infielder Ernie Clement (seven first-place votes) for the most improved player nod. Outfielders Addison Barger and Nathan Lukes were also considered.

Kevin Gausman was the near-unanimous pick for pitcher of the year, taking 19 of 20 first-place votes after posting a 10-11 record with a 3.59 earned-run average and 189 strikeouts.

Chris Bassitt was second in the voting while Eric Lauer, who had the other first-place vote, was third.

Reliever Braydon Fisher took the top rookie nod (11 first-place votes) after going 7-0 with a 2.70 ERA over 52 appearances. Starter Trey Yesavage was second (eight first-place votes), and reliever Mason Fluharty (one first-place vote) rounded out the top three.

The awards are based on regular-season performance. The Blue Jays posted a 94-68 record to win the American League East Division title for the first time since 2015.

Toronto defeated the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners in the post-season before falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the seventh game of the World Series.

Clement was the recipient of the John Cerutti Award for displaying goodwill, co-operation, and character.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 3, 2025.

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press