Toronto coach on how to attack Blake Snell in Game 5 of the World Series
The Toronto Blue Jays treat game 5 2025 World Series like a chess match – and hitting coach David Popkins may have just discovered the opening move. Hours before tonight’s first pitch, the architect of the Blue Jays offense shared some insight into how the club plans to approach the Los Angeles Dodgers ace Blake Snellwhose reputation as a swing reader has long frustrated opposing hitters.
Popkins’ words quickly caught fire online, sparking debate throughout the baseball world. MLB Now’s viral clip, filmed at Dodger Stadium, shows the hitting coach breaking down what makes the southpaw so difficult to face and how the Blue Jays’ offense plans to remain unpredictable.
In a post by MLB Now for X (formerly known as Twitter), the video shows Popkins discussing his offense preparing to face Snell again after taking Game 1, and he made it clear that it won’t be easy in Game 5.
“He’s a player. … He can read swings. He’s got radar. So as soon as he throws a pitch he’s reading how you’re swinging at him.”
That brief exchange – recorded just hours before the game – gives fans a rare glimpse into the thought process of a coach at the highest level. Popkins’ remarks serve as both a compliment and a challenge. He acknowledged Snell’s ability to “read” hitters, but hinted that the Blue Jays’ counterattack will rely on mixing swing types early to keep him guessing.
This is not the first time The Blue Jays faced high stakes under pressure. In Game 1, Snell gave up five earned runs over four innings as Toronto rolled to an 11–4 victory. Now, with the score tied 2-2, both sides understand the magnitude of tonight’s matchup — since 2000, teams that win Game 5 of a World Series tie have won the title nearly 75 percent of the time.
2025-10-30 00:15:00
