The Toronto Bluejays’ push to the World Series

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signed a 14-year, $500 million contract extension on April 7, 2025 which was the start of the success of the Blue Jays this season. This instilled stability and confidence for the franchise as he is viewed as a beloved leader or the team and fanbase. It gave the front office and fans confidence in the core of the team as Guerrero Jr was the foundation piece. The team was unsure if it needed a rebuild or not, and this gave them roster strategy and the decline for a rebuild with their star fully set on playing for them. His security in Toronto has helped him and his teammates play with more ambition and freedom without a worry about free agency. The extension of Guerrero jr was a significant part of the Bluejays’ remarkable run clinching the AL East division title and securing a first-round playoff bye by playing standout roles and having league breaking moments. Guerrero finished with  a batting average of .292, 23 home runs, 84 RBIS, and a .848 OPS.

Other players stepped up, such as George Springer, Alejandro Kirk, Daulton Varsho, Andrés Giménez, and Ernie Clement who contributed big hits at key times of the games. Pitchers like Chris Bassitt (11-9), Kevin Gausman (10-11), and Eric Lauer (9-2) were all major contributions got the team's success and led them to the postseason with the addition of their bullpen with Jeff Hoffman, Erik Swanson, and Trey Yesavage. The teams posted a collective ERA of 4.19, which reflects a balanced and effective pitching staff. 

The Blue Jays’ had some challenges this season that they fortunately overcame to clinch their division. There were no juries to key players such as Bo Bichette and Max Scherzer which was informed he could not play in the post season. There were some pitching inconsistencies in the start of the season with losses to the New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles. There was also competition in the American League East with the New York Yankees with each team bouncing from first place to second place in the division. There were instances when key hooters had low production and their hitting went cold, but never got cold for too long for it to affect their seasonal hopes. Even though the contract extension of Guerrero Jr was a positive thing, there was some pressure towards him from several media outlets expecting a big push toward the playoffs. 

In game one of the ALDs vs. the Yankees, Toronto's offense looked as strong as ever, finishing the game with a score of 10-1 which broke a long postseason win drought, winning their first playoff game since 2016. Game 2 was a breakout performance in which rookie pitcher Trey Yesavae struck out 11 and gave up zero hits over 5 innings in his fourth career major league start in which Toronto won 13-7 to lead the series 2-0. 

Guerrero Jr. hit a solo home run to lead off the bottom of the 1st of game one of the ALDS and hit the first postseason grand slam in Blue Jays history, in the 4th inning of game two. Players like Kirk, Giménez, Clement, Lukes, Springer, and Varsho had key contributions to their offense which resulted in both of their wins. 

The Jays are currently one win away from advancing to the AL Championship Series.

The 2025 Blue Jays turned their fanbase into strong believers for their success and hopes for a title. They combined strong individual performances, a deep roster, and transformed into one of the most exciting teams in the league to create momentum into the postseason, which has worked so far.

Written by Debbie Disla, instagram- @debbie.hearts