Sam Charles

With Bo Bichette declining Toronto's one-year qualifying offer, the team can now begin to negotiate with his camp, alongside several other interested teams across Major League Baseball. Both Bichette and the organization have repeatedly signaled interest in a new deal, and the front office says retaining him is its top priority this winter. At the same time, Ross Atkins and Co. are juggling their other priorities in order to field a team that can, at the least, match what this past year’s squad managed to do. In the last couple of weeks, we’ve heard reports that the Blue Jays remain the favourites to sign Bichette. Those reports are tempered a bit by news that teams such as the Yankees, Red Sox and Dodgers are also competing for his services. Y, if the Jays can sign Bichette, where should they turn their attention next? Kyle Tucker has been linked to the Jays and other squads so far, and the media has been highlighting Toronto's interest in several pitchers. Remember that the Jays will be without Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt unless they choose to re-sign one or both of them. If not, they need to fill those voids and probably get a handful of new arms for the bullpen. So, what positions should the team prioritize after Bichette? The starting rotation buoyed the team through the season. They bent, but they didn’t break. The same could be said about the bullpen. A team that is going to contend needs depth in both the rotation and the bullpen. Typically, starting pitchers and big bats fetch the biggest paycheques. In 2025, Toronto’s lineup was Jekyll and Hyde all season. They would score at will or not score at all; sometimes in the same series. A team with a competent pitching staff doesn’t have to be perfect if the offense can consistently produce. What the Jays need is a lineup that opponents will fear. What does that look like? A leadoff man who eats pitches and gets on base. A number three hitter that also eats pitches and can advance the leadoff man. And in order for the first three batters to be successful, the clean hitter needs to be feared due to his ability to avoid chasing and knock baserunners home. A batting order is just like a house of cards. Each batter has two roles: get on base and set up someone else. Sometimes their prowess means the batter before them gets more hittable pitches. Despite their success last season, the Jays had some gaps in their lineup. There were spots where opponents could get a little breather. Think Anthony Santander, Andrés Giménez, and the outfielders outside the regulars. Having a healthy Bichette would help, but the Jays are going to need at least another bat; the likes of Tucker would definitely give other teams' pitchers a reason to stress. MLB ranked this year’s crop of free agents, and their list broke the group down into five tiers. The top tier includes Bichette, Tucker, Cody Bellinger, Pete Alonso, Alex Bregman, Dylan Cease, Tatsuya Imai, Michael King, Kyle Schwarber, Ranger Suárez and Framber Valdez. There has been some talk naming Bellinger and Valdez among the players the Jays have been wooing. With Santander and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. locked in, Alonso, who was in talks with the Jays last year, is most likely off the table. You can probably remove Schwarber from that list too. If the Jays sign Bichette, the only reason to go after Bregman is if they plan to trade Clement. That would be an interesting consideration, as Clement’s value probably won’t get any higher, but the financial cost of adding Bregman would be significant. In theory, even the biggest payroll can only cover two of that tier of players at the most. In the second tier, it's Edwin Díaz, Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Munetaka Murakami, Kazuma Okamoto, Jorge Polanco, J.T. Realmuto, Eugenio Suárez and Robert Suarez. The Jays have been linked to at least Díaz and Murkami so far. Bassitt, Luke Weaver and Justin Verlander are among the players highlighted in the third tier. The Jays’ front office is no doubt poring over the analytics to determine where there are gaps and, more importantly, where there is value. If you take a limited view of the World Series, the Jays lost because their bullpen couldn’t hold the lead in Game 7. The other side of that coin is that the Jays didn’t score enough runs, so the bullpen had to be perfect (and wasn't). 2025’s lineup produced for the most part, but I'm not sure you can count on Springer’s consistency or Varsho’s power next season. For that matter, Nathan Lukes and Myles Straw would have to have big seasons, along with Ernie Clement and Addison Barger continuing to produce the way they did this past year, for a no-move winter to be feasible. Many of the little moves in the winter leading up to last season worked out. The big swing and miss was Santander. Injury or not, he had a disappointing season and still has four years left on his deal. Bichette’s camp might be waiting to see where the first big free agent goes and for how much before making their decision. That puts the Jays in an unenviable position. They’ll need to act fast, whether or not they are able to sign him. Once they do, they need to secure a big bat in the outfield. It might necessitate a trade that could bring in some bullpen help. When the batting order is a little more settled, then it will be time to go down the list of available starting pitchers. The Jays need to sign at least one starter this winter. Bringing back Bassitt would be a fallback. He was tremendous out of the 'pen in the playoffs, but he won’t want that role during the regular season. Neither will José Berríos, who will most likely have rehabilitated from his late-season injury by then. So, in the coming weeks, the Jays’ list of priorities is: Bichette, another bat and a bunch of arms (in that order). View full article

The offseason started off with some positive news for the Toronto Blue Jays. Shane Bieber’s decision to exercise his $16 million player option for 2026, foregoing his $4 million opt-out (and potentially a larger and longer-term deal), was a surprise for many and might open the door for Bo Bichette’s return. While Bieber’s move is a win, it may also have deeper implications. Particularly for Bichette, the star shortstop, and sure to be one of the most sought-after free agents this winter. Bieber’s commitment to Toronto could be a key domino in convincing Bichette to stay. Whether Bieber’s decision was related to stability, his connections in the clubhouse and front office, or his belief in the franchise making another run next year and finishing what they started, the result is that a key piece of the starting rotation is now in place. Next year’s starting rotation is lined up to include Kevin Gausman (in the final year of his contract), José Berríos (still recuperating from an injury, but with two more seasons left on his seven-year deal), Trey Yesavage (under club control and entering his first full season with the Jays) and Bieber. Eric Lauer and Bowden Francis could also be competing for a spot in the rotation, along with some minor leaguers. While the Jays will still need to fill out the bullpen, the pitching staff looks formidable. Bieber’s decision means that Toronto gets him at a relative bargain salary for a pitcher of his calibre, providing some flexibility for spending in other areas. The onus is now on the Jays’ front office and Bichette to find some middle ground in their negotiations. Both sides have expressed interest so far, but when other teams come knocking with cash in hand, that will be the true test. Bichette has been an important fixture of the Jays’ offence since his debut in 2019. While the team prioritized extending Vladimir Guerrero Jr. last offseason and into the regular season, negotiations with Bichette have not seemed to be a priority. Now, re-signing him (or finding a worthy replacement either at shortstop or second) is widely considered the organization’s top focus. Rumours have it that the Yankees, Tigers and Braves are all interested in Bichette. Each has a glaring deficiency at short and would dearly love to fill it with the two-time All-Star. Bichette’s willingness to be flexible when it came to his role in the World Series might not be the full story. His knee injury was obvious throughout the series, so his only real option in the field was second. There has long been talk of his desire to remain a shortstop, and once he's healthy, I'm not sure that will change. Does the Bieber opt-in, Bichette’s relationship with the Blue Jays organization, and his desire to win a championship with Vladdy and the current roster mean enough for him to potentially forego millions? The Jays have money, but as I discussed in a previous article, they must be diligent when it comes to spending. Locking up Guerrero was crucial in demonstrating that Toronto is a destination, not an afterthought. However, his salary will hamper the franchise as it navigates the luxury tax brackets in the years to come. The Athletic's Tim Britton recently predicted that Bichette is going to get a contract of eight years at $212 million. That would come out to roughly $27 million per season. If you factor in Guerrero’s $35.7 million AAV, that is more than $60 million between them. The 2025 payroll for the Jays was about $250 million, and slightly higher for luxury tax purposes. Are sentimentality and familiarity enough for Bichette and the Jays to find some common ground? And should the Jays make more than a passing attempt at re-signing Bichette? He is an exceptional hitter, and even on one leg, he was nearly a difference maker for the Jays in the World Series. Despite the Jays dropping the series, his Game 7 home run will be talked about for years to come. However, his fielding has never been better than average for a shortstop, and his OAA (Outs Above Average) has placed him below the league average in recent years. He has also been plagued with late-season injuries the past few years. The injuries have primarily been lower body related, including this season’s knee injury and last season’s calf injury. Those injuries often come with age. He hasn’t played more than 150 games in a season since 2022. By securing Bieber early, the Jays have created some momentum and goodwill not just with the fan base but with other players who have hit the free agent market. It also signals to other free agents, like Bichette, that the Jays are still focused on fielding a competitive team next season. Athletes don’t make decisions in isolation. They consider the culture of the clubhouse, the competitiveness of the roster and the vision of the front office. Bieber’s opt-in offers several cues that could influence Bichette’s decision-making process. It signals stability. Bieber’s choice to stay suggests that the clubhouse environment is strong and that the organization is aligned in its goals. For Bichette, who has spent his entire career in Toronto, that sense of continuity could be compelling. It reflects competitive intent instead of a passive approach. Bichette, who has expressed a desire to win, may see Bieber’s decision as the Jays reloading for another run at the title. And players talk. Bieber’s decision may reflect internal conversations about the team’s future. If Bichette sees Bieber betting on Toronto, he may be more inclined to do the same. Bieber’s decision to opt in with the Jays is more than a roster move; it’s a strategic signal to the team and the rest of the MLB. It reflects confidence in the organization, reinforces the team’s competitive identity, and creates the conditions for Bichette to re-sign. If Bichette does choose to stay, fans may look back at Bieber’s quiet November decision as the moment that set everything in motion. View full article

The confetti has yet to be picked up, and the tears have been shed. Major League Baseball even posted on social that there are fewer than 145 days until Opening Day. And inside the offices at Rogers Centre, the Toronto Blue Jays front office is mulling over what next year’s roster will look like after a season that brought them within two outs of a World Series title. With a high 2025 payroll, looming free agency decisions, and a wave of arbitration-eligible players, the 2026 roster for the Jays could look dramatically different. While Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer, Alejandro Kirk and Kevin Gausman are among a handful of Jays signed through 2026, others may be on the move, and the front office faces tough choices that will define the next chapter of Blue Jays baseball. With that said, the front office might be able to leverage the honeymoon of a long playoff run and get additional resources from ownership to keep core pieces in the mix. According to FanGraphs’ RosterResource, the Blue Jays’ estimated 2025 payroll was $258 million. For luxury tax purposes, the payroll rises to $282.7 million. This places Toronto among the league’s biggest spenders, but with several contracts expiring and pending arbitration for a handful of players, the front office and ownership need to decide which luxury tax bracket they wish to occupy next year. The luxury tax thresholds for 2026 are set at $244 million for Tier 1, $264 million for Tier 2, $284 million for Tier 3, and $304 million for Tier 4. Crossing the third tier means the Blue Jays could face steep financial penalties. Despite the uncertainty, Toronto has already secured its biggest star. Guerrero signed a monumental 14-year, $500 million extension that begins in 2026. His extension ensures long-term stability, but Bo Bichette’s future remains uncertain. The big question is whether or not the Jays can or should re-sign Bichette. His home run in the seventh game of the World Series was almost the dagger that won them the series. Regardless of where he signs, Bichette will make astronomically more than on his previous deal, $33.6 million over three years. Without Bichette in the mix, the heart of the Blue Jays' offense may be suspect. When the Jays signed Anthony Santander, he was supposed to be a menacing presence behind Guerrero and force pitchers to take risks with Vladdy at bat. Yet, due to injuries, he did not come as advertised in year one of his contract. Other notable long-term contracts include Springer, who is signed through next season and earns $25 million annually. Gausman is also under contract through 2026 at a $22 million AAV. As of Sunday, Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer are free agents. Shane Bieber is expected to opt out of his current contract. These veterans provided experience and production in 2025, but their age and cost may prompt the team to look elsewhere this winter. Several other contributors in 2025 have also hit free agency. Seranthony Domínguez, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Ty France are role players who could be retained at modest cost or replaced internally. All of these potential departures could leave holes in the rotation, bullpen, infield and clubhouse. The magic of any season, especially the one the Blue Jays just experienced, takes some luck, skill and chemistry. To stay competitive, they’ll need to either re-sign players or find suitable replacements via trade or free agency. Arbitration is often where things get confusing and tricky. Several players are due for raises, and the Jays must decide who’s worth keeping. Daulton Varsho earned $8.2 million in 2025 and is entering his final arbitration year. While Varsho has been a versatile outfielder with power and defensive value, his rising cost may lead the Jays to explore trade possibilities. Ernie Clement has multiple arbitration years remaining and offers cost-controlled depth. Clement was phenomenal in the playoffs. To offset rising costs, the Blue Jays will likely lean on pre-arbitration players. Davis Schneider continues to demonstrate adaptability and power, while a healthy Bowden Francis could be a swingman who fills innings in the rotation or bullpen. Louis Varland was sensational in the playoffs and heavily relied upon in leverage situations. Expect him to have a big role next season. He is still making near the league minimum, making him a valuable asset for a team with a top-heavy payroll. If the Jays let some of their veterans walk, the front office will need to find some alternatives. Toronto’s front office faces a strategic fork in the road. One option is to re-sign Bichette and maintain a contending core. This approach would require continued luxury tax-level spending and commitment from ownership. The other is to let contracts expire and pivot to youth, a more sustainable approach, but one that risks alienating fans and losing star power. The Guerrero extension demonstrated a desire to compete, and his contributions in the postseason were exceptional. Yet, without Bichette, the lineup loses balance. The next few months will be critical in determining the team’s direction. Looking at the positional outlook for 2026, some areas appear stable while others are vulnerable to change. First base is locked in with Guerrero anchoring the position as the franchise cornerstone. Clement, with the occasional help of Addison Barger, appears to be a lock at third. Shortstop, however, becomes a major question mark if Bichette departs. Most likely, Andrés Giménez would slide into that role, leaving second base open. However, Giménez's streaky hitting won't make up for Bichette's contributions at the plate. Whether Springer can repeat his sensational 2025 campaign will be another big question mark. The starting rotation will likely undergo turnover, with Gausman, Trey Yesavage, and José Berríos the only presumptive locks. Francis and Varland are internal options for starting roles, as is Eric Lauer. The bullpen retains some depth. Yimi García will return from injury for 2026 to join returning relievers like Braydon Fisher, Mason Fluharty and Brendon Little. Jeff Hoffman, who had a rocky second half of the season and surrendered the tying home run in the ninth inning of Game 7, will be back as well. The offseason extension for Kirk in March seems like a brilliant move in hindsight. He had a strong season in every way. His back-up, Tyler Heineman, is arbitration-eligible for 2026, with a projected $1 million (per MLB Trade Rumors). The Toronto Blue Jays are entering a pivotal offseason. With a bloated payroll, key free agent departures and arbitration raises looming, the 2026 roster could look quite a bit different. The Guerrero extension provides stability, but Bichette’s future remains uncertain. The team must decide whether to double down and try to contend again or pivot toward a younger, cheaper core. Either way, fans should brace for change. The Blue Jays of 2026 won’t be a carbon copy of the 2025, and that may or may not be a good thing. View full article

This is not the best Blue Jays team ever. Not even close. However, the 2025 Blue Jays are only the third team in franchise history to be a win away from being world champions. And they sure are fun to watch. Game 5 started with a bang. Two bangs, in fact, with both Davis Schneider and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. homering to start the contest. Those home runs were the first back-to-back jacks in the first inning of a World Series game ever. That’s all that Trey Yesavage would need to place his team on the verge of a championship. Every player who has suited up for the team this season has made their mark. This group doesn’t rely on one or two stars, and it doesn’t have to, because so many players have contributed, from Eric Lauer to Paxton Schultz to Joey Loperfido, and everyone in between. That collective effort has brought the Jays to one win away from winning it all. This season has been a masterclass in chemistry, adaptability and belief. Are they as good as the teams in the mid-eighties with Dave Stieb, Tom Henke, Jesse Barfield and George Bell, or the early nineties squads with Juan Guzman, Pat Borders and Joe Carter? No. Are they as good as the 2010s teams that featured Jose Bautista, Josh Donaldson and David Price? No. Yet, with a resiliency and a camaraderie that have been on full display in the playoffs, the 2025 Blue Jays have been able to keep the line moving. Through so many tight games and comeback wins, the Jays have displayed a steady emotional balance. They never seem to get too high after a win or too low after a setback. That even-keeled mentality has become their signature, and it’s paying off when it matters most. There is no question that Guerrero is already one of the best Blue Jays of all time, and he has solidified that standing after a playoff run (so far) for the ages. This postseason has been a defining stretch of his career. It has been a stretch that has elevated him from star to icon. His clutch hitting, leadership, and emotional intensity have ignited the team. He’s already earned his big contract and become the face of this new generation of Blue Jays baseball. If the Jays can complete the job, he’ll be immortalized alongside names like Joe Carter, Roberto Alomar, and Paul Molitor. The rest of the roster has played well beyond expectations throughout the regular season and playoffs. Bo Bichette, seemingly playing on one leg, has provided an extra boost these last few days. It is very reminiscent of Kirk Gibson in the 1988 World Series. Now, Bichette and his team sit only a win away from the franchise’s third world championship. The Los Angeles Dodgers brought their $350 million roster loaded with All-Stars and MVPs to the World Series. The Jays, on the other hand, have a $251 million payroll. If anything, what we’ve seen over the first five games of the World Series is that these teams are closely matched. On paper, the Dodgers have an advantage when it comes to starting pitching and top-of-the-lineup power, but in action, that advantage has seemingly flipped. Despite splitting the opening two games at home and dropping Monday’s 18-inning game, the Jays leave Los Angeles in the driver’s seat. In Game 5, Yesavage was just as dominant as Yoshinobu Yamamoto earlier in the series. He found his splitter, and that made every Dodger hitter look uncomfortable at the plate all night. After less than 10 games in the majors, he may have already solidified a spot in Blue Jays’ lore. The Jays have outscored the Dodgers 29-18. Their combination of solid starting pitching, timely hitting, and airtight defence has quieted the Dodgers’ advantage in star power. And as we go to bed tonight, the Jays have pulled within just one game of ending a drought of 32 years. The Blue Jays' 2025 formula has been simple yet effective: aggressive early offence, reliable defence, and just enough relief pitching to close the door. Their bullpen, viewed as a potential weakness during the regular season, has stepped up when it's mattered most. Even Monday’s 18th-inning loss didn’t seem to faze this club. Instead, they rebounded with two games on the road where they were clearly the better team. So many people watching this team have commented on what a joy it is to watch them. They act like they are playing a game and sincerely enjoy playing together. That’s not always the case in professional sports. Without question, that chemistry is at the heart of their success. The World Series trophy will be presented in Toronto on Friday or Saturday. That has only happened once before. It was the Jays’ second World Series championship in 1993, won on the unforgettable walk-off home run by Joe Carter. For fans who weren’t around back then, 2025 offers a new chapter, a chance to create October memories. The Rogers Centre will be packed and electric on Friday for Game 6. Until then, enjoy the day off and have sweet dreams of what Friday (and Saturday, if necessary) might bring. The Jays are lined up with every pitching option they could ask for. Yesavage going seven innings on Wednesday means the entire bullpen will be well rested. Shane Bieber will probably also be available, and with the way Chris Bassitt pitched on Tuesday, the Jays are looking as good as they possibly could, needing to win just one back home. Kevin Gausman is slated to start for the Jays on Friday, with Max Scherzer scheduled for Saturday if necessary. In baseball, a team has to earn every out, every run, and every victory. The 2025 Toronto Blue Jays have earned their shot, and if they can close it out at home, they’ll do more than just win a championship. This team will remind everyone what makes this game, and this franchise, so special. View full article

In the second-longest game in World Series history, the Blue Jays and Dodgers traded blow after blow for over six hours. It felt like a middleweight fighter was up against a heavyweight in an epic bout. It felt like nearly every inning in extras, the Dodgers had the heart of their order due up. In the two games since the Jays’ bats unleashed an avalanche of runs on the Dodgers in Game 1, the tables have turned in a big way. Game 3 was a test of wills. John Schneider used nearly every tool in his toolbox to try to manufacture a win. It underscored the desperation and intensity of the moment. Only three players (all starting pitchers) didn’t make an appearance in the game. For the Blue Jays, the loss was more than just a setback. It was a missed opportunity to seize control of the series and leverage an advantage they earned during the regular season: home field. Despite 15 hits, the Jays couldn’t push across another run after the seventh inning. That was partially due to aggressive baserunning, but that's a necessity when you’re playing a powerhouse like the Dodgers. They faced the Dodgers’ bullpen six times through the order and still couldn’t break through. Tyler Glasnow was chased early, but the Dodgers’ relievers managed to hold firm. With that said, so did the Jays’ maligned bullpen. Beyond his leverage arms, Schneider had no choice but to put every arm from the 'pen into the game. It turned out to be one batter too many for Brendon Little, although the biggest blow outside the Freddie Freeman walk-off was Seranthony Domínguez’s middle-middle pitch to Shohei Ohtani that tied the game at 5-5. The most pressing issue heading into Game 4 is just how bad George Springer’s injury is. He pulled himself from an at-bat late in the game and was sent for an MRI. The veteran has often been the spark that ignites the Jays' offence. Without him in extra innings, the team floundered. In June, it’s easy to dismiss a single win or loss as inconsequential. In the playoffs, every game is magnified. Yet, in the regular season, the Jays’ 94 wins were just one more than the Dodgers' 93. That one extra win earned them home-field advantage against L.A. That edge is now more critical than ever. Historically, home-field advantage has been a decisive factor in the World Series. According to MLB.com, since 1995, only nine teams have won the World Series without it. So, the Jays have a golden opportunity. If they can steal just one game in Los Angeles, they'll guarantee themselves at least one more game at home. Toronto posted a 54–27 home record during the regular season, second-best in MLB, trailing only the Phillies. The Dome has become a fortress, with fans creating an atmosphere that players have repeatedly credited for their success. The stadium literally shakes with energy during playoff games, and the noise is deafening. It’s a tangible advantage, and one the Jays need to make count. While Exhibition Stadium was never described as a magical environment for baseball, the Rogers Centre has managed to overcome its cavernous, concrete structure to build a setting and a legacy of playoff excitement and memories. It might even be a place that opposing players dread visiting. The Dodgers were just 41–40 on the road in the regular season. At home, they were formidable, losing only 29 games. That disparity underscores how vital it is for Jays to extend the series. The Jays visited the Dodgers at Chavez Ravine in early August, dropping the first two games to Clayton Kershaw and Blake Snell before rallying for a dramatic win in the finale. That game featured Mason Fluharty striking out Ohtani with two on in the bottom of the ninth, a moment that felt like a turning point in the season. That series finale was billed as a showdown between two future Hall of Famers: Kershaw and Max Scherzer. Both pitched well, with Scherzer going six innings and allowing two earned runs. In Game 3 of the World Series, Scherzer was again solid, but the Jays couldn’t capitalize. Glasnow bent but didn’t break, and even Kershaw made a cameo in extra innings, escaping trouble with help from some slick defense. Tuesday’s Game 4 is now a must-win for the Blue Jays. Falling behind 3–1 in the series would be a near-impossible mountain to climb, especially against a team as deep and experienced as the Dodgers. However, if the Jays can even the series, they will regain control and set themselves up to return to Toronto and the friendly confines of Rogers Centre. All season long, and throughout the playoffs, the Jays have shown their resiliency. They’ve also proven they can win at home; they just need to get back there. Tonight, the team needs to figure out how to get runners on base and put pressure on Dodgers starting pitcher Ohtani. He was masterful in his last starting appearance in the NLCS, both on the mound and in the batter’s box. With 10 strikeouts and three home runs, he was just a little better than he was last night, when he went 4-for-4 with two doubles, two home runs, and five walks. I was half expecting him to start warming up in the 16th inning. The Jays have their work cut out for them. Hopefully, the short turnaround between Game 3 and Game 4 is a blessing and not a curse. The 2025 World Series has already delivered unforgettable moments. For the Blue Jays, it’s time to focus on what they can control. They’ve earned the right to play at home. Now they need to earn the chance to finish the series there. One win in Los Angeles is all it will take to bring the series back to Toronto. And if history is any guide, that could make all the difference. View full article

Playoff baseball is a rollercoaster, and the 2025 Toronto Blue Jays have ridden every twist and turn. Game two of the World Series wasn’t a disaster, but it also didn’t showcase the offensive fireworks fans have come to expect. Instead, it was a throwback, a duel between two elite pitchers that reminded us why October baseball is so fun. Facing the Dodgers’ ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Jays showed early promise but couldn’t capitalize. Yamamoto, who had already thrown a complete game in his last start against the Brewers in the NLCS, delivered another masterpiece of nine innings, four hits, one earned run, zero walks, and eight strikeouts on 105 pitches. His six-pitch arsenal, ranging from 70 to 98 mph, kept Toronto hitters guessing all night. After allowing a third-inning sac fly, Yamamoto retired 20 consecutive batters to close out the game. It was the first complete game in the World Series since Johnny Cueto in 2015, and Yamamoto became the first pitcher to throw back-to-back complete games in the postseason since Curt Schilling in 2001. In an era dominated by bullpen usage and pitch counts, Yamamoto’s performance was a rare gem. Kevin Gausman was equally impressive for much of the night. He requested an extra day off to align with his regular rest, and it paid off. At one point, Gausman retired 17 straight batters, utilizing his fastball to set up his devastating splitter. His final line: 6 2/3 innings, four hits, three earned runs, two home runs allowed, nine strikeouts. The game was tied 1-1 until the seventh inning, when Will Smith and Max Muncy hit back-to-back homers. The Dodgers added two more runs in the eighth against the Jays’ pen, capitalizing on a wild pitch and a fielder’s choice. The 5-1 loss ties the series at one game apiece. This game was a reminder of the pitching battles that defined the playoffs of the past. Both starting pitchers managed their pitch counts well, thanks in large part to aggressive hitters looking to strike early. Watching Yamamoto and Gausman trade zeros brought back memories of the Blue Jays' legendary starters Dave Stieb, Jimmy Key, Jack Morris, Dave Stewart, Juan Guzman, David Cone, and Roy Halladay. Complete games in the World Series have become increasingly rare. Since 2000, only a handful of complete games have been thrown in the Fall Classic. Yamamoto’s performance was a throwback. As for the Blue Jays, their starters have played a central role in a postseason that has led them to what is now a best-of-five World Series. Trey Yesavage has played far beyond expectations, making it nearly impossible to describe his impact. He’s thrown 19 innings across four starts, striking out 27 batters with a 4.26 ERA. His debut against the Yankees featured 11 strikeouts in 5 1/3 scoreless innings, and he helped stave off elimination in Game 6 of the ALCS against Seattle. Max Scherzer, the one-time Dodger, has also contributed, earning a win in Game 4 of the ALCS. It was somewhat surprising considering his poor performances leading up to the playoffs. Though no longer the overpowering ace of his prime, Scherzer’s experience and determination have been invaluable and on full display. Shane Bieber, acquired midseason, has pitched 12 1/3 innings with 15 strikeouts and a 4.38 ERA. His control and poise have made him a reliable third starter. He is scheduled to start game four on Tuesday night. Louis Varland, another trade deadline acquisition, has been John Schneider’s workhorse out of the bullpen, appearing in 10 of the Jays’ 11 postseason games, striking out 13 in 11 innings with a 3.27 ERA. He pitched yesterday and was not as effective as he has been so far in the playoffs. Don’t forget Jeff Hoffman, who also pitched yesterday and, despite the wild pitch that seemed to hit Freddie Freeman, has settled a bit since a rocky end to the regular season. In the playoffs, he has two saves and allowed just one earned run in 7 1/3 innings. The Blue Jays’ rotation depth has been a key factor in their playoff run. With Game 3 shifting to Los Angeles, Scherzer is set to face Tyler Glasnow, another pitcher with a dominant postseason resume. Glasnow has posted back-to-back eight-strikeout performances, and the Dodgers’ lacklustre bullpen is well-rested thanks to Yamamoto’s complete game. The Jays facing starters like Glasnow and Blake Snell feels like we are up against the Devil Rays. Looking ahead in this series, the Jays will need their starters to continue delivering quality innings. The offense, which exploded for 11 runs in Game 1, was stifled in Game 2. Facing Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, and Snell on the road in Los Angeles in the next three games will be a daunting task. But if Game 2 taught us anything, it’s that pitching still reigns supreme in October. And for fans of the Jays, seeing Gausman go toe-to-toe with Yamamoto was a reminder of the franchise’s proud pitching tradition. Toronto has long been home to elite arms. In 1992 and 1993, the Jays rode strong pitching to back-to-back World Series titles. In 2025, they’ll need their starters to channel that same magic. This season has seen stretches of inconsistency from the Jays' pitching staff and lineup, but the playoffs have been a different story, at least in the two opening games against the Mariners. Since then, the starters have provided a strong foundation, allowing the offense to do its thing. With an MLB-leading 49 comeback wins this season, the Jays just need their pitchers to keep things close. Game 2 may not have gone their way, but the series is far from over. With Scherzer, Bieber, Yesavage, and potentially Gausman lined up, and the offence ready and able to rebound, the Jays are still very much in the hunt. View full article

Maybe Cito Gaston throwing out the ceremonial first pitch was a sign of what was to come in game one of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The two-time former Blue Jays manager is either revered or criticized for his managerial style of putting out the same lineup every day. Still, that approach resulted in a Hall of Fame-worthy career, one that most Blue Jays fans of a certain generation continue to hold dear. Friday night’s World Series game one saw the Jays bring back a familiar line-up, similar to the one featured throughout much of the regular season. With Bo Bichette back in the clean-up spot, the team just seemed more at ease. That comfort level allowed them to work, which counts against a dominant starter like Blake Snell, and eventually led them to get into the Dodgers' bullpen early. Getting to the bullpen early also allowed the Jays' role players to take centre stage. The Blue Jays started the game with a right-handed heavy line-up against the southpaw Blake. Davis Schneider started in left, and Myles Straw started in right. While both have seen action late in games, it was the first time they started. During media day on Thursday, Bichette was asked repeatedly what his role would be during the series. His response remained consistent throughout. “I’ll play wherever and however the teams needs me to.” Not sure I’d have ever expected him to make a comment like that. Winning helps the team embrace the concepts of teamwork and unselfishness. The 1985 Blue Jays were a team built on consistency. An emerging outfield of superstars. Platoons at third and catcher. And a rag-tag group of pitchers featuring a young star, some seasoned veterans, and a rookie closer. By the time the Jays reached the World Series in 1992, they were a much more veteran team, but one that still relied on role players and bench players in certain situations. This team had players who were ready and willing to step up in an often unselfish role to contribute to the team. Pitchers like Dennis Lamp, Bob Filer, Pat Hentgen, and Mike Timlin. Players like Rance Mulliniks, Garth Iorg, Dave Winfield, Alfredo Griffin, and Derek Bell. Each embraces the role they were given, often with the game on the line. As a Jays fan, it was a decisive moment to watch game one of the World Series for the first time in Toronto in thirty-two years. The Dome was rocking, and the team didn’t disappoint. As the Sportsnet play-by-play team of Dan Schulman and Buck Martinez joked early in the game, who would have believed that the starting pitcher of game one of the World Series would be rookie Trey Yesavage, that Bichette would be at second, and that Ty France would be activated? Schneider and Straw would be in the starting lineup. Yet, with Snell on the mound, that is the lineup that manager John Schneider put out in game one. Beyond the incredulity of the line-up, who would have guessed the final score? The game came down to how the Jays would hold off the Dodgers' potent attack until they forced Snell out of the game. They did that by working counts and getting on base. As soon as the Dodgers' bullpen started stirring, you could see lots of action in the Jays’ dugout, too. Addison Barger grabbed a bat, and Nathan Lukes started tying his shoes. Why? Because they knew (or were told) the situation. Some right-handed pitchers were going to be entering the game, and they’d be taking the spots of Schneider and Straw in the lineup. Barger’s grand slam, the first pinch-hit grand slam in a World Series, was incredible. It might be the walk that Lukas drew after falling behind 0-2 in the count that really started to open the potential floodgates. Or maybe it was John Schneider’s decision to pinch-run for Bichette in that sixth inning? All three moves were essential to that inning’s success and the game’s eventual victory. Each player played their role perfectly. A little more speed on the bases might have resulted in Alejandro Kirk seeing a better pitch in his at-bat. And ultimately, when the inning came to a close, the Jays had a nine-run lead. On the mound, it’s hard to fault Braydon Fisher for giving up two runs on a Shohei Ohtani home run, although the walk in the inning wasn’t ideal. Fisher, who was traded to the Jays from the Dodgers for Cavan Biggio, has been fantastic all season and in the playoffs. The nerves in the World Series are enormous, although you couldn’t tell while watching Chris Bassitt and Eric Lauer mow down the Dodgers to close out the game. The latter pitchers are great examples of players willing to do whatever it takes to help the team. Lauer was crucial to the mid-season turnaround for the Jays. Bassitt has been a steady, veteran presence for the squad all season. Now, both are at the ready should any of the starters falter in this best-of-seven series. In 1992, who would have guessed that Pat Borders would be a World Series hero? This year, who would have guessed that Ernie Clement would nearly be hitting .500 in the playoffs? If you did, you should definitely consider getting into professional gambling. In 1993, the Jays were looking to repeat as World Series champions. Paul Molitor was brought in for his veteran leadership and Hall of Fame resume, and did not disappoint. He ended up being a runner-up for the American League MVP that season. That championship was also thanks to players like Ed Sprague, Rob Butler, Pat Hentgen, Rickey Henderson, and Duane Ward. Sometimes their contributions were obvious, and sometimes they weren’t. Each knew their role and executed when called upon. Back to the present day, as the Jays prepare for game two of the 2025 World Series, they’ll probably need to turn to other members of the roster to contribute. Joe Carter will throw the game two ceremonial first pitch. While George Springer launched the Jays into the World Series with his ALCS game seven homerun, perhaps it will be an unsung hero for the Jays to create some World Series magic in game two. Can’t wait. View full article