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Brett Bateman discusses his first big-league hit ‘just trying to get the barrel on the ball’

The Toronto Blue Jays’ offence received a spark when they inserted Brett Bateman into their lineup on a regular basis. In a year in which so much went wrong for the club on the offensive side of the ball, Bateman…

By Michael Coyle · Blue Jays Nation

Published: Thursday, 8 October 2026 at 3:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Brett Bateman reflected on hitting a double off Zack Wheeler for his first MLB hit during his debut.
Bateman batted .329 across 41 games for the Toronto Blue Jays following an August trade from the Cubs.
The 24-year-old hit his first two career home runs in consecutive games against the Baltimore Orioles in September.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Brett Bateman joined the 6ix Inning Stretch Podcast to discuss his rookie season, his first big-league hit, and plans for the offseason. Bateman made his debut on August 7 after being acquired from the Chicago Cubs, hitting a double against Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler in a 5-4 victory.

Bateman finished the 2026 season batting .329 across 41 games and hit back-to-back home runs against the Baltimore Orioles in September. The 24-year-old plans to travel to Dunedin, Florida, this winter to focus on rehab for nagging hip, knee, and wrist issues.

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Brett Bateman discusses his first big-league hit ‘just trying to get the barrel on the ball’

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