When most fans think about what powers a first-place baseball team, they picture the star sluggers, the ace pitchers, or the highlight-reel moments that dominate headlines. But for the Toronto Blue Jays in this impressive 2025 season, it’s the less-heralded names at the bottom of the batting order that have quietly become the engine behind their success.
These under-the-radar contributors—players who rarely make the postgame interviews or lead off highlight reels—have been performing with remarkable consistency, making life easier for the stars at the top and helping the Blue Jays climb to the top of the standings. In fact, their impact is reminiscent of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern from Shakespeare’s Hamlet: always present, often overlooked, and crucial to the movement of the plot even if they’re not front and center.
While the likes of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and George Springer continue to play their parts with star power, it’s the role players—those hitting seventh, eighth, and ninth—who’ve added much-needed depth and reliability. Players like Davis Schneider, Spencer Horwitz, and Ernie Clement have stepped into key roles, turning the bottom of the lineup from a weak spot into a legitimate threat. Their combined contributions don’t always stand out on the stat sheet, but the results speak for themselves. They get on base, extend innings, keep pitchers working, and occasionally deliver the clutch hit that flips a game on its head.
In modern baseball, depth matters more than ever. With bullpens loaded with power arms and managers playing matchups inning by inning, teams that can find production throughout the lineup are the ones that separate themselves. The Blue Jays, this year, have done exactly that. It’s no longer just about the top four hitters; the danger extends all the way through the ninth batter. And that’s a nightmare for opposing pitching staffs.
The defensive consistency of these unsung heroes has also played a critical role. Whether it’s Schneider turning double plays, Clement making heads-up decisions at third base, or Horwitz showing improved discipline at the plate and smart baserunning, their impact has gone beyond just offensive production. They bring energy, hustle, and attention to detail that reflects a winning clubhouse culture.
Manager John Schneider has taken notice, often praising their work ethic and their ability to stay ready. “These guys are grinders,” he said recently. “They show up every day knowing their job isn’t glamorous, but they take pride in doing it right.”
It’s easy to cheer for the stars. But championship teams are built on the shoulders of the players who don’t get the daily spotlight. These Blue Jays have found balance—flash up top and grit at the bottom.
So, while fans continue to pack Rogers Centre to see Guerrero’s moonshots or Bichette’s dazzling plays at short, it’s worth tipping the cap to those further down the order. Without them, the Blue Jays wouldn’t be in first place. They may not be household names, but they’ve become the foundation of a team chasing October glory—and doing so with a full, collective effort from top to bottom.