2026 Season Preview: Can the Toronto Blue Jays exceed expectations again?

Not long ago, the Toronto Blue Jays looked like a franchise searching for clarity.

A year back, uncertainty clouded the organization after an unusual winter, highlighted by stalled contract talks with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

At the time, it felt like the team's competitive window-built around Guerrero and Bo Bichette-might be slipping away. That narrative didn't last long.

Toronto flipped the script in 2025, emerging as one of baseball's most compelling stories.

The club captured its first American League pennant in 32 years and came within a single out of defeating the powerhouse Dodgers in the World Series.

The front office stayed aggressive this offseason, adding starting pitchers Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, reliever Tyler Rogers, and Japanese star third baseman Kazuma Okamoto.

Veteran Max Scherzer was also re-signed. Still, not everything went according to plan-Toronto missed out on Kyle Tucker, and Bo Bichette departed for the Mets.

Injuries are already a concern. Shane Bieber, who opted into the final year of his deal, is dealing with forearm issues that could sideline him for a while.

Anthony Santander is expected to miss most of the season with a shoulder injury after a disappointing debut campaign in Toronto.

However, Daulton Varsho is healthy and hitting like a champ already this spring. His power is off the charts, he slugged .820 in 50 at-bats with 5 homers.

In 19 spring games, he hit .380 with 19 hits, 11 of them extra-base hits. His 1.246 OPS is elite.

If he can carry his scorching spring form into the regular season. A healthy Varsho in a contract year may give other teams fits on both sides of the ball.

When it comes to Rookie of the Year candidates, Trey Yesavage might have been the obvious choice.

However, his shoulder impingement has delayed his timeline, opening the door for Okamoto to emerge as a leading contender.

Though it's unusual to label a 29-year-old established international star as a «rookie,» Okamoto fits the criteria and should be firmly in the mix if he performs to expectations as the team's everyday third baseman.

The challenge ahead is significant. The AL East remains the toughest division in baseball, and defending their title won't be easy.

Compounding matters, Toronto's pitching staff is already battered before the season even begins.

Bowden Francis is out for the year following Tommy John surgery. Bieber continues to manage forearm fatigue, while José Berrios is dealing with a stress fracture in his elbow.

Yesavage, who broke out during last postseason, is also sidelined with a shoulder issue.

Offensively, the Blue Jays still look formidable. Their lineup powered them through last year's playoffs and should remain dangerous, even without Bichette.

But in a division as competitive as the AL East, their success may ultimately hinge on health.

At least two of Yesavage, Bieber, and Berrios will need to return to form and contribute consistently.

A resurgence from closer Jeff Hoffman would go a long way as well.

The season kicks of on Friday night at Rogers Centre against the Athletics. First pitch at 7:07 PM ET on Sportsnet.

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