Charles McAdoo: Rising Star Making Waves in Toronto

Charles McAdoo has certainly made an impression this season, even with limited appearances at the major league level. After initially planning to feature him earlier, I realized that his journey and performance warranted a deeper look. Despite just eight plate appearances and a home run with the big club, McAdoo’s story is one that captivates.

Drafted in the 13th round by the Pirates out of San Jose State in 2023, McAdoo quickly made a name for himself in the low minors. His performance caught the eye of scouts, leading to a trade to the Blue Jays at the 2024 deadline in exchange for Isiah Kiner-Falefa. However, after a rocky finish to last season and a challenging start in 2025, McAdoo found his rhythm, posting an impressive .274/.343/.475 slash line over the last 80 games of the season.

This year, McAdoo received a promotion to Triple-A, where he has shown notable improvement in his approach at the plate. Although his 112 wRC+ indicates a similar performance level as last season, the way he’s achieving it has changed dramatically. McAdoo has significantly reduced his swing-and-miss rate, making contact on 80.7% of pitches compared to 71% in the previous year. This marks the best contact rate of his professional career and a welcome change from his earlier tendency to strike out more frequently as he advanced through the ranks.

Moreover, McAdoo has become more selective, swinging at just 42% of pitches as a Bison, a drop from nearly 48% during his time as a Fisher Cat. This shift has resulted in a jump in his walk rate from 9% to 14%, while his strikeout rate has decreased from nearly 28% to just 20%. Both figures represent his best performance since his days in A-ball, even as his batting average on balls in play (BABIP) has dipped and power numbers have slightly waned compared to earlier in his career.

Despite these impressive statistics, the exact reason for McAdoo’s improvement remains elusive. His swing mechanics appear largely unchanged, starting with a closed stance and a low crouch, followed by a small toe tap to transition into a neutral position. However, there may be subtle adjustments at play. Reports suggest that he has quieted his bat waggle—a habit that previously affected his swing angle—and possibly shortened his swing slightly. These tweaks, albeit minor, seem to have contributed to his improved contact rates.

Interestingly, while his results suggest a new approach, McAdoo’s hard-hit rate in Buffalo sits at 37%, just below average. While we lack specific data from Double-A, scouts noted that he was capable of generating plus exit velocities. This season, he has yet to exceed 110 mph on a batted ball, which is unusual for a player regarded for his raw power. Additionally, he is hitting the ball on the ground more and pulling it less than he has in the past.

Despite these nuances, McAdoo’s ability to adapt could lead him to success. His home run was hit off a 94 mph fastball at the top of the zone, showcasing that he can handle high velocity. With nine home runs in just 215 plate appearances, if he can maintain close to league-average strikeout and walk rates while hitting 20 or more home runs, he could carve out a role in the majors.

However, McAdoo’s success at the plate will be crucial, as he may not contribute defensively or on the basepaths. Primarily a third baseman in the minors, he has shown some limitations in range and agility, spending more time at first base or as a designated hitter. While he has athleticism, his below-average speed could hinder his defensive contributions. That said, he has demonstrated good instincts, stealing 34 bases in 40 attempts in 2025, and 21 in 25 attempts the season prior.

As McAdoo gets his chance in Toronto, particularly with Lenyn Sosa sidelined and Davis Schneider struggling, fans will be eager to see how he seizes this opportunity. If he continues to make solid contact and display his power, he could provide a much-needed boost to the bottom of the Blue Jays’ lineup.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.