The bluejays jump from worst to first wasn’t luck or coincidence — it was the product of a clear philosophy led by first-year hitting coach David Popkins. Popkins brought in a modern model for team offense: emphasizing bat speed, measured intent, and giving hitters the freedom to compete and own their process. Gaining nearly 1 mph of average bat speed in a single season is impressive enough — but doing it with an aging roster, and seeing that number continue to rise deep into August and reach 72.2 mph in September? “That doesn’t happen without a real, deliberate change in process.”