logo
Upcoming 16-game stretch could make or break the 2026 Toronto Blue Jays
alt
Photo credit: © Gerry Angus-Imagn Images
Ben Wrixon
Jun 16, 2026, 17:00 EDTUpdated: Jun 16, 2026, 14:27 EDT
Comments
The Toronto Blue Jays haven’t been the team anybody expected with the 2026 MLB season approaching its halfway point. They enter Tuesday with a 34-38 record, sitting two games out of the final American League Wild Card spot. 
Injuries, underperformance from key players, and an inability to hit with runners in scoring position have plagued the team thus far. Yet, for all that has gone wrong, they remain within striking distance of a playoff spot and are getting healthier by the day. 
Alejandro Kirk is back. Shane Bieber could return later this week, and Daulton Varsho shouldn’t be too far behind him. Addison Barger and Yimi García could both return sometime in June. The Blue Jays could have the team they mostly expected to have by the time July rolls around. 
Now, after an off day on Monday, the team is set to begin a stretch of sixteen games in sixteen days that could ultimately make or break their season. Can they finally get on a roll with much-needed reinforcements around the corner? 
It starts with a series against the Boston Red Sox, who occupy last place in the American League East amid a nightmare season of their own. They are still without ace Garrett Crochet and face-of-the-franchise Roman Anthony. The Blue Jays need to take care of business with Dylan Cease and Trey Yesavage set to pitch two of the three games. 
The Blue Jays will then travel to Chicago to take on the scuffling Cubs, who have been free-falling down the standings since a red-hot April. Still, this is likely to be the toughest matchup in this stretch based on the strength of the opposing lineup. 
Toronto will then host a pair of mediocre teams from Texas, the Rangers and the Houston Astros. The former boasts a truly anemic offence, while the latter possesses arguably the worst pitching staff in baseball outside of the Colorado Rockies. 
Last but certainly not least is a date with Bo Bichette and the New York Mets to conclude this sixteen-game marathon. They may have Francisco Lindor back from the injured list by then, but they have nonetheless been one of baseball’s most disappointing teams. 
None of these are teams the Blue Jays can’t beat—most of them are teams they should beat if they fancy themselves a postseason contender. Winning 10 of these 16 games would get Toronto back to .500 right as the team is reaching full strength. They would be well-positioned to make a run after the All-Star break and bolster their group at the trade deadline. 
But what if the Blue Jays lose 10 of these 16 games? Then they’ll be eight games under .500 with less than half the season remaining. That could leave the front office no choice but to position themselves as sellers with eyes on retooling for next year. 
The beauty of baseball is that it’s never over until it’s over. Still, with that said, this upcoming stretch could decide the fate of the 2026 Blue Jays—one way or another.

CHECK OUT OFF THE ROSTER – NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEKDAY

Off The Roster is Toronto sports. Hosted by Cabbie Richards, Lindsay Dunn, and Dan Riccio, this is the go-to morning conversation for everything happening in the 6ix – Hockey, Baseball, Basketball and everything in between. From breakout performances and questionable trades to throwback jerseys, viral moments, and the stories fans are actually talking about—it’s smart, sharp, and never scripted. Live weekday mornings on the Nation Network YouTube channel and available wherever you stream podcasts, the show delivers real opinions, real chemistry, and real Toronto energy. Missed an episode? Catch up anytime. Off The Roster—The new sound of the 6ix.
Editorials
MORE NEWS. IN YOUR INBOX.
CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Breaking News