The Toronto Blue Jays have been written off by many after an underwhelming offseason, but that might be a mistake. While the Yankees and Orioles are dealing with major hurdles, the Blue Jays have quietly built a roster that could surprise everyone in 2025. Their rotation, if healthy, could be a serious force, and the lineup has more depth than in previous seasons.
The AL East isn’t a two-horse race this time—Toronto is very much in the mix.
Pitching wins championships, and the Blue Jays’ rotation—on paper—stacks up well. Kevin Gausman remains a frontline starter. José Berríos has been steady, and Chris Bassitt, despite turning 36, continues to be a reliable innings-eater.
Max Scherzer’s addition is also fascinating. Yes, he’s 41 and coming off back surgery, but his presence alone elevates this staff. If he gives Toronto 120-140 quality innings, that’s a game-changer.
Bowden Francis is the wild card. As per the former baseball pitcher CJ Nitkowski, he impressed last season in limited action, posting a 3.45 ERA in 70 innings. With Alek Manoah out until midseason, Francis could lock down the No. 5 spot.
But health is the biggest concern! Gausman, Bassitt, and Scherzer aren’t young—but if they stay on the mound, this rotation can go toe-to-toe with any in the AL.
“Now it comes down to the rotation staying healthy.”
With the injury bug hitting hard in the AL East, are the #BlueJays the top team to watch out for this season?
https://t.co/iXax8hx4iO pic.twitter.com/AhQ2LS7HJJ
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) March 11, 2025
Toronto Blue Jay’s offense lacked firepower in 2024, which they have addressed. The signing of Anthony Santander gives them a switch-hitting slugger who has averaged 30 homers per season over the last three years. Andrés Giménez, acquired via trade, brings Gold Glove defense and a solid left-handed bat, addressing one of last season’s biggest weaknesses.
And the key remains Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. Both have shown MVP-caliber upside but regressed last year. If they rebound, suddenly the team’s offense looks dangerous, too.
Though George Springer’s production is slipping, if Toronto gets anything close to his peak form, they’ll be much better than last season.
Meanwhile, the Yankees and Orioles might not be as dominant as expected. New York lost Juan Soto to the Mets and is now relying on an aging core with serious injury concerns. Max Fried is an ace, but Carlos Rodón and Nestor Cortes have struggled to stay healthy.
The Orioles, despite adding Corbin Burnes, lost John Means to free agency and are still missing Kyle Bradish for most of the season due to injury. Their young lineup is electric, but their pitching depth is a major question mark.
So, yeah! The Blue Jays aren’t just hoping for a strong season—they’re built for one.
Will a tough AL wild card race leave the Blue Jays out?
The Blue Jays aren’t just fighting for a division title but also for a Wild Card spot. If Toronto falls short in the AL East despite feeling stronger, they would need to battle for a (Wild Card) spot against top teams from other divisions (AL West) such as the Texas Rangers and the Houston Astros who are already strong playoff contenders. Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners are improving and also competing for a berth.
If the Blue Jays don’t start the season well, they could struggle to catch up.
Unlike past seasons where 87-90 wins could secure a Wild Card berth, the bar might be even higher in 2025. The Blue Jays will need both their pitching and offense to click—something that didn’t happen consistently last season. A tough schedule, divisional battles, and the possibility of injuries make their margin for error razor-thin. If they go through extended cold streaks or struggle in key series against direct competitors (Yankees or Orioles), they could find themselves on the outside looking in when October arrives.
The Blue Jays have the talent to contend, but in a brutally competitive AL, talent alone won’t be enough. Their season hinges on health, offensive consistency, and surviving the Wild Card gauntlet.
Do you think this will finally be the year when Toronto lives up to expectations—or just another frustrating what-if? Share your thoughts with us!
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