March Madness is here, but for Eric Duncan it takes place on the field, not the court. 

With the 2025 season less than two weeks away, the Toronto Blue Jays’ Director of Position Player Development, is doing everything he can to ensure minor leaguers eventually have a chance to shine in the Majors. 

His job within the organization is to prepare young talents such as 2024 call-ups Addison Barger and Leo Jimenez, to be instant contributors.

For Duncan and hundreds of other players and coaches, spring training is where all the hard work gets started.

“It’s pretty special,” said Duncan, on an internet call from Dunedin. “We’re the only sport where this happens, hundreds coming to one building for one purpose. It’s madness, but I love it. 

“The most exciting part is seeing everyone come together to put our players in the best spot to help the Major League team win a World Series.”

Duncan believes he is successful in his ability to develop a relationship with each player and establish trust. That allows him to have conversations and relay information that will be effective.

Take top prospect Arjun Nimmala, a young standout sent to the Florida Complex League mid-season last year. Duncan credits a team effort approach for crafting a plan that fueled Nimmala’s rebound. 

“Building relationships is the most important part,” he says. “When tough times come, they’ll listen if they trust you.”

Duncan enjoys coaching players like Alan Roden and Josh Kasevich, whose drive pushes him to match their intensity. 

Though the Blue Jays are one of the top organizations when it comes to using modern technology, he still believes it comes down to the coaches to make it work.  

Ultimately winning is what matters. He teaches it through “winning moments,” like situational plays, blending development with victories. 

“We get players to their ceiling through winning.”