George Springer’s Remarkable Age-35 Rebound Season Explained

George Springer, the veteran slugger once known for his electrifying performances with the Houston Astros and a promising start with the Toronto Blue Jays, has defied the odds in his age-35 season.

After a concerning decline in production during his age-33 and age-34 campaigns, Springer entered 2025 with tempered expectations.

But here we are—he’s emerged as one of the top hitters in baseball, flashing a .276/.368/.503 slash line and a career-best 140 OPS+ since 2019.

Springer’s presence has reignited the Blue Jays’ surging roster.

Springer’s Stunning Bounce-Back Season

Baseball’s a game ruled by trends, and for players beyond their mid-30s, the trend usually isn’t great.

Most projections expected George Springer to keep fading as time caught up with him.

Instead, he’s delivered a season to remember—numbers reminiscent of his peak form, and proof he’s still got it at an elite level.

He’s now right up there with baseball’s best hitters aged 35 or older, drawing comparisons to legends like Nelson Cruz and David Ortiz.

How Springer Revamped His Approach at the Plate

Springer’s resurgence wasn’t just luck; he made deliberate, strategic changes to his hitting approach.

This season, he’s embraced a new philosophy at the plate, focusing on quality contact instead of just putting the ball in play.

One big shift: he now avoids borderline pitches early in counts.

By swinging less at edge pitches, Springer can attack balls in the heart of the strike zone with more intent.

• Significant improvements in attack angle: Springer’s attack angle has jumped from 6° to 13°, adding loft and power to his swings.
• Lower ground ball rate: He’s hitting fewer ground balls, which means more extra-base hits and home runs.
• Increased bat speed: Springer’s swinging faster and harder, with more swings clocking in at 75 mph or more—especially before two strikes.

The Blue Jays’ coaching staff played a huge role in these changes.

Coaches pushed Springer to take aggressive “A-swings,” encouraging him to swing with ferocity instead of settling for weak contact.

He’s rebounded against fastballs too—jumping from a .241 average in 2024 to a .325 mark in 2025.

The Role of Positional and Lineup Changes

Springer’s resurgence also comes from a practical approach to managing his aging body.

He recognized that staying productive and healthy would require some changes, so he moved from center field to right field and designated hitter duties.

These shifts have eased the physical strain and let him focus on his bat.

Exiting the Leadoff Spot

Springer’s move out of the leadoff spot stands out as another smart adjustment.

He used to be a staple atop the lineup for both Houston and Toronto, but sliding further down the order lets him emphasize power and run production instead of just setting the table.

These subtle tweaks show just how intentional Springer’s turnaround has been.

Defying Age and Redefining Longevity

Springer’s resurgence at age 35 really challenges what people expect from aging hitters. He’s showing that players can still thrive late in their careers if they’re willing to adapt.

His success highlights the value of bold adjustments made with skilled coaching. The ongoing battle to refine your craft never really ends, does it?

• Only a handful of players have excelled beyond their mid-30s: Nelson Cruz and David Ortiz come to mind, but Springer’s performance this season puts him in rare company among elite hitters his age.
• A blueprint for other aging stars: Springer’s transformation shows how a strategic shift in approach—along with realistic changes to your physical role—can give performance a real boost.

The Toronto Blue Jays are riding a wave of momentum in 2025. George Springer’s rejuvenation plays a big part in that.

He’s willing to evolve and take on the challenges that come with baseball’s aging curve. It’s inspiring for his teammates—and honestly, for anyone trying to beat the odds.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Springer’s age-35 rebound season is no accident