Many commentators don’t see this as a new season, but as an extension of last season as the hitting issues are largely the same as last year’s. Re: changes to hitting coaches, they sent 1 coach (Dave Hudgens) down to AAA and they promoted Don Mattingly from bench coach to offensive coordinator.
I think either Blair or Barker mentioned this. Hitters who’ve just joined the Jays seem to perform pretty well compared to hitters who’ve been with the organization a while. Top 3 hitters by OPS+ ranked 1, 2, 3 (min 2 plate appearances per team games played): 2024: Davis Schneider, Justin Turner, Daulton Varsho (who was ice cold until he started working with his ex-MLB dad this season) 2023: Brandon Belt, Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Jays hitters suffer from two much information, which as Barker points out may be even more unhelpful when you’re already struggling (and prone to over-thinking). (We also know Vladdy is calling all sorts of hitting coaches outside of the organization; Bo’s been working with his ex-MLB dad lately.)
Watching the Phillies last night was something. They seem to have a simpler, see ball-hit ball approach. They pull soft, they push hard to the opposite field. Rough outing for Berríos.