The New York Yankees fell to the Toronto Blue Jays 5-2 in the Bronx on Wednesday night, ending their season with a 3-1 Divisional Series loss. It also ensured they would fail to advance to the American League Championship Series, a failure they share with the Minnesota Twins.
“Obviously, when you have a generational player like (Aaron) Judge and a huge payroll, anything less than a World Series feels like a disappointment,” said Greg O’Connor, a Yankees fan who lives in Minneapolis. “But to have the exact same amount of ALCS games as the 2025 Twins? Woof. That really knocks you off your feet. It’s disgusting.”
The Yankees compiled an impressive 94-68 record, tied for the best in the American League with the Blue Jays. The Twins blew up their team at the trade deadline, dealt their entire bullpen, parted with Carlos Correa in a salary dump, compiled a post-deadline record that competed with the White Sox and Rockies for futility, and fired their manager.
Both teams won the same amount of ALCS games.
“I feel dirty,” said O’Connor. “It’s a stain that won’t wash off. This is the worst thing I’ve ever felt.”
Judge, who turns 34 next season, had an incredible postseason, going 13-for-26, leading the team to a Wild Card victory over the hated Red Sox before belting a memorable 3-run homer in the Bombers’ only ALDS victory. The Twins wasted a healthy Byron Buxton, took on minority partners to pay off commercial real estate debt, and seem likely to continue trading off what remaining assets they have this winter.
Both teams failed to advance to the World Series.
“Help me,” said O’Connor. “I am in hell. This is hell.”
Dane Williams, O’Connor’s friend and diehard Twins fan, said he enjoyed teasing him about this, but it did nothing to improve his feelings about his own favorite team.
“I wouldn’t say it makes me feel any better,” said Williams. “But do I feel less shame? Yeah. I guess I do. The dark clouds of sadness that followed my every making moment parted for a little bit. I guess that’ll have to do.”
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