The Yankees beat the Red Sox in three games to move on to the 2025 ALDS. Now, the Yankees will face the AL East champion Blue Jays, who prevented New York (AL) from getting the top spot in the American League on the final day of the season.
Scheduled Starters and Start Times
The first two games will start at 4:00 PM ET, with the first being on October 4 and the second on the 5th. Game 3 is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET, and Game 4 is at 7:00 PM ET. The third and fourth games are scheduled for October 7-8. Game 5, if necessary, is scheduled for October 10 at 8:00 PM ET.
In Canada, all games are on Sportsnet. Game 1 will be on FOX in the United States, as will Game 5 (if necessary). Games 2-4 will be on FS1.
A Look at the Offenses
Stat
Runs Scored849798Home Runs274191OPS.787.760Whiff%26.4%21.6%Hard Hit%46.2%41.2%
When the Blue Jays and Yankees had their last regular-season series, Bo Bichette suffered a knee sprain after sliding into Austin Wells at home plate. Nearly a month later, and that is one of the larger storylines heading into the ALDS.
Bichette has been on the IL since September after sustaining that injury. It’s still unknown whether he’ll be available. Manager John Schneider stated that Bichette remains day-to-day. He’s yet to start running, and Schneider added that Bichette would need to be available to play regularly if he were to make the ALDS roster.
He was a key cog for a dynamic offense that does a lot: hit home runs, put the ball in play, and get on base. Bichette finished the year as the team leader in hits (181), even though he missed nearly a month of the regular season.
It was a resurgent season by not just Bichette but also George Springer. Springer regained how power stroke and blasted 32 home runs, leading the Jays. And Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who was paid handsomely early on in the year, cracked 23 home runs for Toronto this year.
Toronto, as noted, does more than just hit home runs. The Blue Jays finished 2025 with the best team whiff rate in the Majors, as well as the best team on-base percentage (.333).
The Yankees, meanwhile, received a much-needed jolt from Anthony Volpe in the Wild Card round. Volpe, a target of ire for Yankees fans this season, hit .364 with four hits and a home run during the opening round. He finished tied with Aaron Judge for first on the team in hits.
A Look at the Pitching
StatStarters’ ERA3.614.34Relievers’ ERA4.373.98Strikeouts1,4401,430Opponents’ AVG.229.241Chase%28.5%28.4%
After Cam Schlittler had an explosive playoff debut to get New York through the Wild Card round, the Yankees will rely on Luis Gil for Game 1.
Gil is a power pitcher, one who will often get himself in trouble with runners on base. It’s something to watch heading into the series. The second-year righty did very well against the Jays in his lone start against them this season. Gil gave up three hits and one earned run over 6.1 IP on September 6.
New York will tentatively go with Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, and Schlittler after Gil, staying in line with the rotation set at the start of the playoffs. Rodon and Fried pitched well, with the latter (six strikeouts, no earned runs over 6.1 IP) having an exceptional start against the Red Sox in Game 1.
As for the Jays, their rotation is unannounced at this moment aside from Kevin Gausman. Gausman, who will get Game 1, rolled into the playoffs on a hot stretch. The right-hander struck out 32 over 32.1 IP, along with a 2.78 ERA over the final month of the year.
Aside from Gausman, Chris Bassitt should be ready for the ALDS. At least, based on what the Toronto brass was saying before the series. Trey Yesavage and Shane Bieber are options to start in this series, as well. As is Max Scherzer, although he threw 70 pitches on October 2 during an intrasquad game.
Toronto’s bullpen has been somewhat of an adventure. Closer Jeff Hoffman struck out 84 over 68 contests but had some questionable outings throughout the season. He blew seven save opportunities during the regular season.
However, there’s a lot of depth between Brendon Little, Yariel Rodriguez, and Seranthony Dominguez, among others.
Our Prediction
Even though the Blue Jays are the top seed and won the season series 8-5, the Yankees’ pitching depth is formidable. We’ll go with the Yankees to upset the Jays.
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