It wasn’t that long ago that the Toronto Blue Jays were seen as a potential World Series champion. Young stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Alek Manoah were viewed as the main pillars of this team. Championship expectations increased when Toronto signed free agents George Springer, Kevin Gausman, and Hyun Jin Ryu. While the Blue Jays have gone to the playoffs in three of the past four seasons; they’ve gone 0-6 in the postseason. Given that they have many key players nearing free agency, Toronto’s window of contention is starting to close.
0-6 In The Postseason
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Toronto Blue Jays were once seen as the shiny poster team around the league. Talented young players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Alek Manoah were seen as core pieces. Expectations further increased when they signed free agents George Springer, Kevin Gausman, and Hyun Jin Ryu. Many people saw this as their greatest era since they won the back-to-back World Series in 1992 and 1993. However, it hasn’t worked out that way.
To their credit, they’ve made it to the postseason in three of the past four years. However, the Toronto Blue Jays have yet to win a playoff series. During this span, the Blue Jays have gone 0-6 in the postseason. The past two early-round postseason exits have been especially excruciating.
Game two of the 2022 AL Wild Card series saw Toronto blow a seven-run lead to the Seattle Mariners. This eliminated them from the postseason that year. This past season, despite Jose Berrios keeping the Twins at bay, manager John Schneider inexplicably pulled him after just 47 pitches and three innings. The Twins would score two runs after Berrios was pulled from the game. The Minnesota Twins would beat the Blue Jays 2-0 and sweep Toronto out of the postseason. This would mark the third time in four years that Toronto was swept in the Wild Card series.
A Frustrating And Boring Offseason
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite another early playoff exit, the Blue Jays had a very boring and frustrating offseason. Matt Chapman, Hyun Jin Ryu, and Whitt Merrifield have departed as free agents. The team was reportedly interested in Juan Soto before the Yankees acquired him. Fans were later left with egg on their faces when a reporter falsely reported Shohei Ohtani was flying to Toronto. While the Blue Jays were a serious contender for Ohtani, the 2023 MVP instead signed with the Dodgers.
After missing out on Soto and Ohtani, Toronto opted not to make any major moves. They instead made some minor moves signing veterans Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Justin Turner. Toronto also signed international free agent Yariel Rodriguez to a five-year deal. This will be Rodriguez’s first time with an MLB team. The Blue Jays also brought back gold glove-winning centerfielder Kevin Kiermaier.
Toronto Is Banking On A Bounce Back Year Offensively
Embed from Getty ImagesWith no major moves made, Toronto is banking on their sluggish offense rebounding from a down 2023 season. Despite having big bats like Chapman, Bo Bichette, Guerrero Jr., George Springer, and more; Toronto’s offense was just mediocre. Chapman, Vlad Jr., and Alejandro Kirk all had down seasons. Daulton Varsho failed to live up to the hype when Toronto acquired him from the Diamondbacks. Bichette spent most of August on the injured list.
The AL East Has Only Gotten Tougher
The Toronto Blue Jays cannot afford to have the year offensively they had last season. The AL East has only gotten tougher. Baltimore acquired Corbin Burnes, Tampa Bay always has something up their sleeves, and the Yankees had a busy offseason acquiring Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo as well as signing free agent Marcus Stroman. The journey to the postseason is bound to be rougher than last year.
Many Key Players Are Nearing Free Agency
Embed from Getty ImagesDanny Jansen and Yusei Kikuchi are going to be free agents after this season. 2026 is where Toronto’s contention window might be close to closed. Hard decisions will have to be made by Mark Shapiro and GM Ross Atkins. Core players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Jordan Romano will be free agents for the first time. Starting pitcher Chris Bassitt’s contract also expires after the 2025 season as well. Given how Rogers Communications runs the team, some of those players might be wearing different uniforms soon.
Time Is Ticking
Embed from Getty ImagesTime is running out for the Toronto Blue Jays. In what was supposed to be the golden era of Blue Jays baseball, Toronto go 0-6 in the postseason. Since the Blue Jays declined to make any major moves this offseason, they had better be certain that their offense will do better this season. Toronto has already wasted three seasons with this core and those players’ time on the roster is only getting shorter. With many key players nearing free agency, Toronto’s window of contention is only getting smaller.
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