Blue Jays to Playoffs: First AL team, seeking divisional title

The [Toronto Blue Jays](https://www.mlb.com/bluejays) have secured their place in the postseason, being the first team in the American League to achieve this. The 8-5 victory over the [Kansas City Royals](https://www.mlb.com/royals) sealed their spot in the playoffs. After a season start with ups and downs, the Blue Jays, leaders of the American League and the East Division, managed to secure their spot in the postseason with one week remaining in the regular season. The team overcame a difficult start, overcoming a deficit of up to eight games in the division at the end of May.

I remember when we were in Tampa in May, we weren’t playing very well and we got swept there. I think these guys did a great job of coming together, but the turning point was really when we left Tampa and went into the Texas series.

John Schneider, Manager of the Blue Jays

This is Toronto’s third playoff appearance in four years and the fourth in six seasons. The team failed to qualify in 2021 and 2024. The Blue Jays, who lead the American League East and have the best record in the league, return to the playoffs after missing the postseason in 2024. Success in the playoffs has been elusive for the Blue Jays, who haven’t won a postseason game since 2016. Unlike their last three appearances, they hope to avoid the American League wild card round, seeking to win their first division title since 2015. To close out the regular season, they will face a six-game home series against Boston and Tampa Bay.

You could feel it with this group in spring training. I know it sounds really cliché, but when you have a group of men committed to the same goal, you can do things like this.

John Schneider, Manager of the Blue Jays

With a record of 90-66, the Blue Jays lead the American League and are ahead of the [New York Yankees](https://www.mlb.com/yankees) by 2.5 games in their division. If Toronto wins the East Division and has one of the two best records in the league, they will advance to the American League Division Series, which begins on October 4. The last time Toronto made it this far was nine years ago.

I am very happy for them. It’s difficult at this level for everyone to put aside their egos and play for each other. It’s great to see these guys completely happy for each other when they get the job done no matter who it is. This is the most satisfying team I’ve been a part of, with different characters, different skills, guys who come together for a common goal, which is what matters now. This is something you always celebrate.

John Schneider, Manager of the Blue Jays

The Blue Jays are looking to win their first World Series since 1993.

Today we return to the postseason, but the journey isn’t over yet. We still want to win the division in the next six games. Since spring training, we’ve all been together and when you see a team like that, you start to believe.

[Vladimir Guerrero Jr.](https://www.mlb.com/player/vladimir-guerrero-jr)

Sunday’s victory snapped a four-game losing streak for Toronto, and the team celebrated in the visitors’ locker room in Kansas City.