Can the Toronto Blue Jays run it back in 2026?

The GIST: Nothing united Canada quite like the Blue Jays’ 2025 World Series run, and the impacts are still being felt long after the final out. Youth registration is skyrocketing, the talent pool is deepening, and the power of friendship is alive and well in the blue birds’ clubhouse.

• Momentum has never been higher as the reigning AL champs prepare to swing into the 2026 campaign — so ahead of Friday’s home opener, let’s be romantic about baseball all over again.

🔥 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. headlines high-powered offense: Vladdy put on an offensive masterclass in the playoffs, hitting a brain-bending .397 and belting eight home runs. But he didn’t do it alone: Toronto boasted one of the best offenses in the majors last season, and most of their core is still in the Six, including fan favorite Ernie Clement and outfielder George Springer.

• That said, one notable name will be missing from the dugout: shortstop Bo Bichette, who left for the NY Mets in free agency. No need to panic though, the Jays inked the impressive Kazuma Okamoto in January, a hard-hitting Japanese third baseman ready to leave his mark on MLB.

💪 Success hinges on pitching health: After signing a pair of starting pitchers (Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce) and reliever Tyler Rogers, the Jays appeared to have the mound on lock…until injuries ravaged the starting rotation. Playoff hero Trey Yesavage, 2020 Cy Young winner Shane Bieber, and two-time All-Star José Berríos will all start the season on the injured list. Say it ain’t so.

📌 The bottom line: Expectations are sky high after the Jays came this close to their first World Series in over three decades last November. The pieces are there to run it all the way back, but the juggernaut AL East isn’t for the faint of heart. Good thing this crew still wants it all.