It’s only May, but the Toronto Blue Jays are already approaching a crossroads that could define their 2026 season. As of today, the reigning American League champs are sitting fourth in the AL East. Fresh off a commendable effort where their offense battled through a 10-inning grind, only to come up short in a 7-6 loss to the Tampa Bay. The Rays are currently the best team in the American League. The Jays and their fanbase have several reasons to feel deflated.
It’s a tale that surfaces around this time every season, and it afflicts a handful of clubs as the summer months approach. The Jays, Mets, Phillies, and Red Sox have done everything conceivably possible to avoid the burning question, but sooner or later, it becomes unavoidable.
Where To Go From Here?
At what point do teams truly start to realize contention is out of reach, and the option to become “sellers” starts to circulate? Which teams are moving closer to having these conversations?
These have undoubtedly become more complicated questions as the playoffs have expanded. Realistically, if 40% of teams make the playoffs, more clubs should remain around the cusp of contention. There are examples of teams barely squeezing into the playoffs via the wild card. Head-to-head tiebreakers during the regular season also come into play. Getting into the dance offers a tremendous opportunity for a club to go on a magical run.
