Blue Jays to Playoffs: First AL team, they seek the title

The [Toronto Blue Jays](/mlb/team/_/name/tor/toronto-blue-jays) clinched their spot in the American League postseason on Sunday, after defeating the [Kansas City Royals](/mlb/team/_/name/kc/kansas-city-royals) 8-5. After a complicated start to the season, with a 16-20 record in early May, the Blue Jays, leaders of the American League and the East Division, managed to secure their place in the playoffs with a week to go in the regular season.

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 Blue Jays failed to qualify in 2021 and 2024. Postseason success has eluded the Blue Jays, who haven’t won a playoff game since 2016. The Blue Jays will look to win their first divisional title since 2015 and avoid the American League Wild Card round, with a six-game home series against [Boston](/mlb/team/_/name/bos/boston-red-sox) 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 who are committed to the same goal, you can do things like this.

John Schneider, Blue Jays Manager

With a record of 90-66, the Blue Jays lead the American League and their division by 2.5 games over the [New York Yankees](/mlb/team/_/name/nyy/new-york-yankees). If Toronto wins the American League 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’m so 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 coming 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’re back in the postseason, but the journey isn’t over yet. We still want to win the division in the next six games. Since spring training, everyone has been together and when you see a team like that, you start to believe.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

After Sunday’s victory, which ended a four-game losing streak, the Blue Jays celebrated in the visiting clubhouse in Kansas City.