Blue Jays’ Consistency Fuels AL East Lead and Playoff Push
As spring training began, Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider was already focused on turning the page from a disappointing 2024 season and embracing the promise of 2025. “We were a good team that had a bad year last year,” Schneider reflected. “That’s not the first time that has ever happened. Everyone has a bad year now and again, but I know we’re going to play a lot better this year.”
Fast forward to today, and Schneider’s confidence is proving well-founded. The Blue Jays boast the second-best record in the American League at 74-54, holding a 4 ½-game lead over the New York Yankees in the fiercely competitive AL East.
The Secret? Consistency Across the Board
For right-hander Max Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner who joined the Jays on a one-year, $15.5 million deal, the key to Toronto’s resurgence is simple: consistency.
“We’ve done such a great job this season being consistent,” Scherzer explained. “Starting pitching, hitting, relief, defense — it’s a total team effort. It’s not just one guy. That’s what makes it fun. You never know who’s going to come up with a big play, a big hit, or a big pitch. It can be anybody on the roster.”
This balance and depth create a dynamic, unpredictable team where every player is ready to contribute.
Depth and Talent Across the Lineup
While no Blue Jays currently rank in the AL’s top 10 for bWAR, the lineup boasts stars making big impacts. Five-time All-Star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is batting a solid .298/.396/.498 with 21 home runs through 124 games. George Springer, the team’s primary designated hitter, is enjoying a resurgent campaign with a .292/.384/.521 line, 21 homers, and 13 stolen bases in 106 games. Meanwhile, shortstop Bo Bichette leads the American League with 157 hits.
The Blue Jays rank seventh in MLB for runs scored, averaging 4.88 runs per game. Their approach at the plate combines patience and pressure, deliberately wearing down opposing starters to get them out of the game early.
Center fielder Daulton Varsho sums it up: “We’re having really good at-bats. We get those timely hits when runners are in scoring position and score runs. But we’re also patient. Our goal is to get the starter out by five innings so we can get to our bullpen and do what we do best.”
Starting Rotation Strengthens Playoff Hopes
Toronto’s pitching staff is a major reason for their success. Anchored by Scherzer, the rotation includes Jose Berrios, Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, and left-hander Eric Lauer. They’ll soon get a boost from Shane Bieber, acquired at the trade deadline. Bieber, the 2020 AL Cy Young winner who missed last season due to Tommy John surgery, is set to make his first appearance back this Friday against the Miami Marlins.
“It’s nice knowing on any given night we can have an ace on the mound,” said Gausman. “The teams still standing at the end of the year usually have a strong starting staff. We take pride in consistently giving our team a chance to win every night.”
Gausman also credits the team’s focus on fundamentals as a key to their improvement. “Compared to last year, we’re better at baserunning, defense, pitching, and just doing the little things consistently. That’s taken us to the next level.”
Looking Ahead
With 34 games remaining, the Blue Jays sit comfortably atop the AL East and hold an eight-game cushion over the Kansas City Royals for the final postseason berth. While the franchise hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016, this year’s blend of steady pitching, deep offense, and team-wide consistency could finally break that drought.
As the regular season winds down, one thing is clear: the Blue Jays’ commitment to doing the little things well is the driving force behind their climb — and fans are buzzing with anticipation for what’s next.
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