Former Wild Things David Popkins Helping Lead Toronto in the Postseason

Avon, OH – As the Toronto Blue Jays battle in the American League Championship Series, one name in their coaching staff may be familiar to Frontier League fans, hitting coach David Popkins.

Popkins spent the 2015 and 2016 seasons with the Washington Wild Things, where he quickly became one of the franchise’s top offensive performers. In 2015, he hit 20 home runs, becoming one of just seven players in team history to record a 20-plus homer season. The following year, Popkins posted a .309 batting average with 15 home runs, 48 RBI, and 26 doubles, earning a selection as a 2016 Frontier League All-Star.

Following his playing career, Popkins transitioned into coaching and joined the Minnesota Twins as their hitting coach from 2022–2023. He is currently serving in the same role with the Toronto Blue Jays, helping guide the club’s offense through the 2025 postseason.

From his standout seasons in Washington to coaching on baseball’s biggest stage, Popkins continues to make an impact at every level of the game.