George Springer Surpasses Derek Jeter: Breaking Down His Historic Postseason HR Record With Blue Jays

George Springer has etched his name in baseball history, surpassing Derek Jeter with his 21st postseason home run. The Toronto Blue Jays star now ranks fifth all-time in playoff homers, trailing only Manny Ramirez, Jose Altuve, Bernie Williams, and Kyle Schwarber.

Springer’s milestone blast came during Toronto’s ALDS clash with Seattle, further solidifying his reputation as a clutch October performer. Having previously won World Series MVP honors with Houston, the veteran outfielder continues rewriting franchise and MLB postseason records with his power surge.

George Springer Surpasses Derek Jeter: A New Chapter in Postseason Greatness

George Springer has etched his name deeper into baseball lore by hitting his 21st career postseason home run, surpassing New York Yankees icon Derek Jeter on the all-time list. The Toronto Blue Jays outfielder now stands alone in fifth place for most playoff homers in MLB history, trailing only Manny Ramirez (29), Jose Altuve (27), Bernie Williams (22), and Kyle Schwarber (21). This historic moment occurred during Game 2 of the 2025 ALDS against the Seattle Mariners, further solidifying Springer’s reputation as one of the game’s most feared October performers.

What makes Springer’s achievement particularly impressive is his efficiency. While Jeter needed 158 postseason games to hit 20 home runs, Springer reached 21 in just 78 games—a rate of one homer every 3.71 games that ranks among the best in playoff history. This power surge has transformed Springer from a talented regular-season player into a bona fide postseason legend, a transition few hitters successfully make.

What fascinates me about Springer’s achievement is how he’s maintained this power across different teams and playoff formats. His success isn’t tied to one ballpark or lineup—it’s a testament to his ability to adapt and deliver when the lights shine brightest.

The Significance of Passing a Legend

Derek Jeter’s name has been synonymous with postseason excellence for a generation of baseball fans. The Yankees captain earned the nickname “Mr. November” for his clutch performances, making Springer’s surpassing of his home run total particularly meaningful. While their styles differ—Jeter was a contact hitter who thrived in key moments while Springer is a power threat—both share that rare ability to elevate their game when it matters most.

Breaking Down Springer’s Blue Jays Postseason Legacy

Since joining Toronto in 2021, Springer has rewritten the franchise’s postseason record books. He now holds the Blue Jays’ records for:

• Most postseason home runs (11 and counting)
• Highest postseason slugging percentage (.589)
• Most postseason extra-base hits (19)

These accomplishments are even more remarkable considering Toronto’s relatively limited playoff appearances during Springer’s tenure. His ability to deliver in the team’s biggest moments has made him the offensive cornerstone of the Blue Jays’ October runs, providing veteran leadership for a young core that includes Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette.

What many fans might not realize is that Springer’s impact goes beyond statistics. His postseason experience—including a World Series MVP with Houston—has been invaluable in teaching Toronto’s younger players how to handle playoff pressure.

The All-Time Postseason Home Run Leaders: Who Can Catch Manny?

The current top-5 postseason home run leaders present an intriguing mix of retired legends and active sluggers:

With expanded playoffs creating more opportunities, the record book may continue to be rewritten in coming years. Altuve appears poised to pass Ramirez, while Springer and Schwarber could both surpass Williams before their careers end.

The modern playoff structure certainly helps current players accumulate these numbers, but let’s not diminish their achievements. Hitting in October is harder than ever with specialized bullpens and advanced scouting reports.

The Active Player Race

The competition among current players adds another layer of intrigue to Springer’s accomplishment:

• Jose Altuve (27 HRs) remains productive at age 35
• Kyle Schwarber (21 HRs) has unmatched raw power
• Corey Seager (19 HRs) is younger at 31
• Springer (21 HRs) combines consistency with big-moment flair

Comparing Springer to Blue Jays Postseason Legends

While Springer now holds Toronto’s postseason home run record, he’s part of a rich tradition of October heroes in Blue Jays history. The franchise’s most memorable playoff moments include:

• Joe Carter’s 1993 World Series walk-off home run
• Jose Bautista’s iconic “bat flip” homer in the 2015 ALDS
• Edwin Encarnacion’s 2016 Wild Card Game walk-off

Springer’s signature Blue Jays postseason moment came in Game 2 of the 2023 AL Wild Card Series when he homered twice against Seattle. As Toronto continues its 2025 playoff run, he may yet create an even more memorable highlight that cements his place in franchise lore.

What sets Springer apart from previous Blue Jays sluggers is his combination of power and plate discipline. He doesn’t just swing for the fences—he works counts and delivers quality at-bats when the pressure is highest.

Can Springer Challenge for the All-Time Postseason HR Record?

At age 35, Springer faces questions about how much longer he can maintain his elite production. However, several factors suggest he could continue climbing the all-time list:

• The Blue Jays are built for sustained contention
• Springer has shown no signs of significant decline
• Expanded playoffs provide more opportunities
• His approach ages well (not reliant solely on athleticism)

Realistically, catching Manny Ramirez’s 29 homers would require multiple deep postseason runs, but passing Bernie Williams (22) and potentially challenging Altuve is within reach. Much will depend on Toronto’s ability to consistently reach October and Springer’s health in coming years.

While records are impressive, what truly matters is whether Springer can deliver another championship to Toronto. His legacy will ultimately be defined by rings, not just home run totals—just as Jeter’s was.

The Bigger Picture: Springer’s Hall of Fame Case

This milestone adds another layer to Springer’s Hall of Fame resume, which already includes:

• World Series MVP (2017)
• 3-time All-Star
• 2-time Silver Slugger
• Multiple 30+ home run seasons

While his regular season numbers might not scream “first ballot,” Springer’s postseason excellence gives him a unique case that voters will need to carefully consider. Few players in history have so consistently elevated their performance when the stakes were highest.