Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro and general manager Ross Atkins expressed their disappointment during post-season media sessions following the team’s close loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 of the World Series. Despite falling short, the Blue Jays had a successful season, bouncing back from a last-place finish the previous year to clinch the AL East title with 94 wins.
The team’s journey included their first playoff victory in nine years and a series win against the New York Yankees in the AL Division Series. They went on to defeat the Seattle Mariners in a thrilling seven-game AL Championship Series before facing the Dodgers in a memorable World Series finale.
Shortstop Bo Bichette, a key player for the Blue Jays, received a qualifying offer for the 2026 season, signaling the team’s interest in retaining him. Other notable free agents include Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt. With strong team chemistry and key players returning for the upcoming season, the Blue Jays are optimistic about their chances in 2026.
Bench coach Don Mattingly will not return next season, while the team looks forward to the start of spring training in mid-February and their season opener against the Athletics on March 26 in Dunedin, Fla.