Are the Blue Jays Finally Turning Their 2026 Season Around?
Canada’s team may still be under .500 with a record of 61-64, but with a six-series winning streak, the 2025 World Series runner-ups are finally showing the promise fans expected. Since July 27th, the Blue Jays have won series against the Washington Nationals, the St. Louis Cardinals, the Houston Astros, the Philadelphia Phillies, the Boston Red Sox, and now, the New York Yankees. It’s hard to believe that not long ago, Toronto was four and a half games back from a playoff spot.
After Saturday’s win against the Yankees, they are now in a four-way tie for the third Wild Card spot in the American League. The Orioles, Rangers, and Tigers also currently share that spot. The other two spots belong to the Red Sox and Yankees; both are members of the Jays’ division as well as two of the teams conquered for the six-series winning streak. The Astros are currently the leaders of the AL West and were also part of that streak. The Phillies and Cardinals aren’t far off from the NL Wild Card spots either. All of this goes to show that this streak isn’t just lucky; the Jays are beating good teams. After this current series, Toronto will face the current American League leaders: the Tampa Bay Rays. Will their streak survive a team that's 74-48?
Halfway through August, the Blue Jays have a .643 win-loss percentage. Their only other month, not including March, with a percentage over .500 was May with .517. The front office made many transactions leading up to the trade deadline at the beginning of August and has continued to make roster moves since. Some key losses were two-time all-star Kevin Gausman, former closer Jeff Hoffman, and Golden Glover Daulton Varsho. Gausman and Hoffman were struggling all year, and with a pitching staff already riddled with injuries, they needed their healthy players at peak performance. However, Varsho was always a key member of the team and a heartbreaking loss for the club.
Luckily, Toronto received a fantastic group of players in return. Despite never reaching the Majors before the deadline, rookie center fielder Brett Bateman has been the leadoff hitter for the past two games and three times total. He’s been second in the order four times as well. In fact, the 24-year-old was last in the order only once for his debut. Another fabulous addition was former Texas Ranger Josh Smith. The utility player can cover third base, shortstop, and left field. His speed makes him an excellent pinch runner as well. General manager John Scheider and his team also know how to use their Minor Leaguers well. They know just when to recall utility players Charles McAdoo and Davis Schneider so they can shine. This applies to the bullpen as well, with RHP Chase Lee and top prospect Ricky Tiedemann.
Six series wins in a row isn’t a fluke. The Blue Jays are finally clicking well enough to play as a team. In turn, they are peaking at the perfect time. Toronto’s fans have had to shift their focus from World Series redemption to simply making the playoffs, but once the MLB Postseason starts, anything is possible.
