The Toronto Blue Jays are figuring things out in 2025. Following their 7-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates last night, the Blue Jays secured their 74th win of the season and improved to a 74-53 record. This is not only the top in the AL East, leading both the Yankees (five games) and Boston Red Sox (six games), but one of the best in baseball, rivalling the Milwaukee Brewers (79-47) and the Detroit Tigers (75-53).

The comparison between this year and last season’s dreadful campaign is incredible. The Jays, far out from contending at the trade deadline, traded numerous veteran players on expiring deals and went with the youthful approach the rest of the season. They won just 23 games following the fire sale and finished the year winning just two of their final 12 games, resulting in sweeps by the Rays and Marlins.

It was a tough time for the Blue Jays and their fans, and many were calling for the front office to answer for the fallout this winter. Ross Atkins and Mark Shapiro were on the hot seat. While neither was fired, they knew this was a make-or-break year for the franchise, considering players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Chris Bassitt were slated for free agency following the 2025 season.

What has resulted is one of the best teams in the Major Leagues, which ironically, has not come from some of their newest star acquisitions.

Anthony Santander, the hotshot bat the Jays invested a lot of money in this winter, has been hurt for a good portion of the season and has amassed a -0.9 fWAR when healthy. Right-hander Max Scherzer made one start before landing on the IL, and while he is healthy now and finding his stride, through 10 outings (not including last night), he owns a 0.4 fWAR. Jeff Hoffman, who has been the go-to closer option, owns a 0.5 fWAR and has seen his outings go from solid to horrid in a hurry. Myles Straw, acquired in the winter alongside international bonus pool money, leads the group with his 1.3 fWAR mark, mostly from his defensive value.

Overall, the Jays have found success from a host of different players.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. leads the charge with his 3.9 fWAR, but seven others rank above the 2.0 mark, one of which is Kevin Gausman (the lone pitcher). Alejandro Kirk is finding his bat this season after being a defensive stalwart the past two campaigns, and owns a .296/.355/.416 slash line with 10 home runs on the season. Bo Bichette has returned to his hit king ways, and George Springer has found his power stroke again, launching his 18th home run of the year last night against the Pirates, which has seen his OPS climb to .897 on the year.

Ernie Clement, Addison Barger, and Tyler Heineman also sit above the 2.0 mark, a minimum of 1.7 points above veteran players such as Pirates outfielder Tommy Pham, and have helped the team contribute in meaningful ways on the field. Daulton Varsho is sitting at a tidy 1.6 fWAR mark, which comes with just 136 at-bats and 39 games under his belt because of injuries.

Not everything has been sunshine and rainbows. While the pitching staff can strike out opponents at a high rate (1119 – ranks third), they own a 4.23 ERA collectively, with the rotation sitting just above that mark (4.35) and the bullpen bringing down that value with their 4.06 ERA mark. Some key members of the bullpen have struggled as of late, such as Brendon Little (six earned runs through 5 2/3 innings in August) and newcomer Louis Varland, who has allowed five earned runs through nine innings.

They aren’t dominating opponents on the mound, although some pitchers are starting to find their stride. One of those pitchers is Scherzer, who has allowed just 15 earned runs through his last seven outings and 43 innings, and the Jays have found gold in Eric Lauer, who owns a 2.76 ERA through 20 outings (14 starts) this year. Toronto will get some reinforcements in the rotation starting Friday in the form of Shane Bieber, who has been excelling in the minor leagues during his rehab outings.

With this latest victory, the tides have seemed to change, and the Toronto Blue Jays continue to sit atop the AL East. Their schedule runs through the division to round out the season, so meaningful baseball is still ahead. An untimely losing streak could dash postseason hopes in a hurry, but they also possess some season series wins in their back pocket for the added insurance over not only AL East opponents numerous teams in the Wild Card as well.

Not all games have been pretty or exciting, but the Blue Jays continue to find ways to win. Whether they single/double their way to victory or scrape by with a timely hit or two with some excellent pitching, the momentum is in their favour and all eyes are on the postseason, a complete 360 flip compared to where this team was at this point last season.