Most Valuable Player – Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Who else? Any playoff monkey on Guerrero’s back has officially been removed. With a home run in each of the first three games of the series, he led the team in total times on base and slugging percentage – he is a special player.
Before this postseason, Vladdy had appeared in six playoff games with zero home runs, a .422 OPS, and the Blue Jays had zero wins in those games. This series may have been his playoff breakthrough. Hopefully it’s a sign of even greater things to come in the next round and beyond.
Ernie Clement deserves an honourable mention. He tied Vlad with nine hits and, as usual, played stellar defense all series.
Welcome to October Award and Pitcher of the Series Award – Trey Yesavage
A few days after Yesavage’s record-breaking first career start, I wrote an article applauding him — but I also said it would be crazy to suggest such an unproven player make a playoff start. Then came Game 2 of the ALDS, in front of nearly 50,000 galvanized Blue Jays fans, and against the New York freaking Yankees. Yesavage made my opinion look foolish.
Over 5.1 innings, he struck out 11, allowed zero hits, and issued just one walk. When John Schneider walked out to take the ball, 50,000 fans made sure he knew what they thought of that decision.
Trey Yesavage, welcome to October.
His Game 2 outing was the best start by any pitcher in the series — and no reliever came close to matching his dominance. What a debut.
No, No, No, Yes Award – John Schneider
One of the most surprising decisions of the entire series was to go with a bullpen game in a crucial Game 4. Without Scherzer, Berríos, and Bassitt on the ALDS roster, the Jays were already short on starting depth, but the bullpen hasn’t exactly been a source of comfort this season.
Every reliever used in that game has flashed brilliance at times this year, but also maddening inconsistency. The idea of relying on six to eight different arms to shut down the Yankees felt like an unnecessary risk, especially with Eric Lauer available.
I thought the right move was to let Lauer start on a short leash — see if he could get through the Yankees’ lineup twice before turning it over to the bullpen. If he faltered, it would have turned into a bullpen game anyway. But once again, my opinion looked foolish. Eight pitchers (including Lauer, who worked the fifth and sixth) combined to hold the Yankees to just two runs on six hits.
It was a bold call from John Schneider, and it paid off in the best way possible.
Next Man Up Award – Andrés Giménez
Giménez was acquired last offseason and has always been known as a glove-first player. He lived up to that reputation during the regular season — making highlight-reel plays at second base while posting a .598 OPS. But when Bo Bichette was left off the ALDS roster, John Schneider made a big ask: move from second base to shortstop. He did not complain about the position change and excelled in the ALDS.
Over the course of the series, he collected four hits, scored four runs, and played stellar defense at short. Those aren’t MVP numbers, but his willingness to step into an unfamiliar role and thrive deserves special recognition. Championship teams are built on players like Andrés Giménez.
Heart of the Team Award – Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer
These two produced two of my favourite moments of the entire series. In the third inning of Game 3, Ernie Clement singled to left field. Vladdy raced around third and dove into home, extending the Jays’ lead. But this wasn’t a normal slide, Guerrero launched himself into the air at full speed and slammed into home plate ferociously. Once called safe, he leapt to his feet and celebrated with Anthony Santander. It was a play that showed his passion for baseball and how much he cares about this team — I couldn’t help leaping to my feet too.
George Springer had a rough series overall, but in the final game, he reminded everyone what he contributes to the team beyond the box score. In the top of the seventh, with the Jays clinging to a 2–1 lead, runners stood on second and third as Springer stepped up. He waved through a Devin Williams changeup and returned to the dugout empty-handed. Moments later, Nathan Lukes ripped a two-RBI single. And who was the first player at the top of the dugout, congratulating the run scorers, Ernie Clement and Andrés Giménez? George Springer.
Vladdy and George are two of the most fun players to watch on this roster. Their “wrap-your-arms-around-each-other” leadership style is a big reason this team’s chemistry feels so special, and why the Blue Jays are so fun to watch.
Conclusion
As a Blue Jays fan, this postseason has already been filled with special moments. Taking down the Yankees made it even sweeter, and with this group of players, the Jays have a real chance to keep the magic going. Timely hitting, steady pitching, and true team camaraderie are what can carry the Blue Jays to the promised land
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