Arrianna Toolsie Associate Sports Editor

The 2025 Blue Jays season will be remembered as one of the most stressful, breathtaking, exciting, and talented seasons in history. They were nothing short of amazing, beginning at the bottom and ending just short of the top. As players came and went, family bonds strengthened, and the team performed outstandingly as a whole, surprising the league. Here is a recap of the 2025 season.

Some New and Familiar Faces

Before and during the season, players came and went from the Jays’ clubhouse. Before the season began, new teammates were signed, including Jeff Hoffman, Andrés Giménez, Myles Straw, Anthony Santander, and Max Scherzer. Current players such as Ernie Clement, Alejandro Kirk, and Daulton Varsho were also given one-year contracts at the start of the season. In April, the Jays signed Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a 14-year contract, which was a wise decision. In the middle of the season, they traded for Seranthony Dominguez, Shane Bieber, Louis Varland, Ty France, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, a former Jays player who they claimed off waivers. Later in September, the Jays promoted their top prospect and 2024 first-round draft pick, Trey Yesavage, to the Major Leagues, strengthening the bullpen. With all of the new faces and contract extensions, the Blue Jays developed a unique bond as they welcomed everyone into their family throughout the season.

Initial Struggles

As the season began, many people had high hopes because we had just added star players to the roster who could potentially help our team. Unfortunately, this was not the case. They lost their first game of the season, 12-2, to the Baltimore Orioles, and then had a slow start. By May 7th, they had a record of 16 wins and 20 losses, four games below .500. The team had some good moments, but they struggled offensively. Players like Anthony Santander, Andrés Giménez, and Bowden Francis were underperforming despite having success the season before. The team’s hitting approach and production were also lacking, as they ranked among the bottom in home runs and were dominated at the plate. However, on May 8th, something shifted.

Canada Day Homestand

Between May 8th and June 28th, the Jays were slowly gaining momentum. Even so, during the Canada Day homestand, the Blue Jays began to climb the standings, which was shocking. They won a game against the Boston Red Sox, then swept the New York Yankees in a four-game series to go on a winning streak. From there, their mindsets and momentum shifted as their offence and defence improved and they quickly became key contenders in the AL East. Ultimately, their second half of the season was nothing short of amazing, with a record of 49 wins and 30 losses, well above .500.

The Final Stretch, Game 162

The race to the end of the season came down to the wire. Fans of all the teams in the AL East Division were on the edge of their seats, waiting to see who would win the AL East title and finish first in the American League. Both the Blue Jays and the Yankees alternated wins and losses in the final few games of the season, with the final game being the deciding factor. The Blue Jays needed one win to earn a bye to the Division Series against the winner of the Wild Card series between the Red Sox and whoever did not win the AL East title between the Jays and the Yankees. On September 28, in game 162 at home, the Blue Jays rallied to defeat the Tampa Bay Rays 13-4 and win the AL East division, finishing the season with a record of 94-68!

American League Division Series (Jays Win 3-1)

The Jays defeated the Yankees in four games, eliminating a powerhouse team that was vying for a playoff spot at the end of the regular season. They won 5-2 at Yankee Stadium, putting on an incredible performance that demonstrated that the team never gives up, as Guerrero Jr. always says. It was also bullpen day, and they staged a pitching masterclass, with everyone taking turns on the mound and performing admirably. They were the first team to move on to the League’s Championship Series.

American League Championship Series (Jays Win 4-3)

The ALCS was one of the best series to watch during the postseason, with the Seattle Mariners and Blue Jays going back and forth until game seven. Comeback after comeback, the Jays remained resilient and never gave up, eventually winning games 6 and 7. They won the American League and advanced to the World Series for the first time since 1993, thanks to George Springer’s massive three-run home run!

World Series (Jays Lose 4-3)

This series was straight out of a drama series, with fights, home runs, and extra innings unlike any other. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays faced off like two rivals racing to the finish line, and it did not disappoint (well, except for Jays fans). After the Jays blew them out in Game 1, an 18-inning game, a stressful Game 6 in which the ball became stuck in the wall, and extra innings in Game 7, the Dodgers won the World Series for the second time in two years, putting an end to the Jays’ run and dreams of winning for the first time in 32 years.

Outcomes of the Season

This season was truly unforgettable, as we witnessed the Blue Jays overcome obstacles and perform at an exceptional level. Of course, Guerrero Jr. and Bichette had excellent seasons, but there were numerous others who proved to be valuable assets. Players include Springer, Clement, Varsho, Schneider, Straw, Kirk, Lauer, Yesavage, Bieber, Gausman, Scherzer, Barger, Varland, and Fluharty. I may have just named the majority of the team, but that demonstrates how unique this team is; it is not just one person; they are all valuable assets to their success. They finished very well in the league for pitching and hitting. To continue their historical run, many believe they will re-sign all of their players during the offseason and add more depth; this team is amazing in so many ways. Evidently, the city and country are proud of the team. We can’t wait to see what happens next season.