What a season it was in 2025 for the Blue Jays. They finished with the best record in the American League, beat the Yankees and Mariners in the postseason, and went all the way to game 7 of the World Series before losing in heartbreaking fashion to the Dodgers.
The Jays are returning most of the core players who brought them there a year ago, with the exception of Bo Bichette. They did add some pieces offensively, though, and their biggest acquisition this offseason was Dylan Cease. Cease gives them another front-of-the-rotation starter. The Jays are considered favorites to win the AL East again and be one of the top teams in all of MLB.
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Projected 2026 Record: 96-66
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Lineup:
Oct 19, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) celebrates after a double play in the fourth inning against the Seattle Mariners during game six of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
This lineup is one of the toughest ones to navigate in the league. They put the bat on the ball, they have some big power hitters, and they have a good mix of righties and lefties.
Vlad Guerrero Jr. is the main attraction, but George Springer, Dalton Varsho, Alejandro Kirk, Ernie Clement, and Addison Barger can all make an impact.
The newly acquired Kazuma Okamoto is unknown in MLB, but he was excellent in Japan and should contribute in the bottom third of the lineup.
Rotation:
Oct 20, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman (34) throws in the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners during game seven of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The top four in their rotation are one of the best in the American League, if not all of MLB. Led by Kevin Gausman and the newly acquired Dylan Cease, the Jays are loaded with starters who can not only rack up strikeouts but also not issue too many free passes.
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They can give length in their starts and offer consistency. Shane Bieber and Trey Yesavage should both be more than a strikeout per inning this season and pick up double-digit wins as the number three and four starters.
Bullpen:
Oct 20, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jeff Hoffman (23) and catcher Alejandro Kirk (30) celebrate defeating the Seattle Mariners in game seven of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
There aren’t many big names in this bullpen, but it is a bullpen that gets the job done as evident by the success a year ago. Expect Jeff Hoffman to enter the season and be the team’s closer for the second consecutive season. Set-up man Yimi Garcia and converted RP Louie Varland would both be in line for saves at some point if Hoffman gets hurt or struggles.
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