Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro and general manager Ross Atkins expressed their disappointment during a post-season media session following Toronto’s narrow defeat in Game 7 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Atkins acknowledged that while the final outcome was not as they had hoped, much of the team’s journey aligned with their expectations.
The Blue Jays showcased an impressive turnaround this season after finishing last in the AL East standings the previous year. They clinched the division title and secured the top seed in the AL with a strong 94-win performance.
Toronto’s playoff run included a series victory over the New York Yankees in the AL Division Series and a hard-fought seven-game triumph over the Seattle Mariners in the AL Championship Series before ultimately falling to the Dodgers in a thrilling 11-inning finale.
Shortstop Bo Bichette, a key player for the Blue Jays, received a qualifying offer for the upcoming season, signaling the team’s interest in retaining him. As the free agency period begins, notable names like Max Scherzer, Chris Bassitt, and others are also in the mix.
The team’s roster for the next season is taking shape, with pitcher Shane Bieber returning and a solid core of players contributing to a positive team dynamic. The Blue Jays aim to build on their success and pursue a World Series title in 2026.
Several updates were shared during the media session, including the departure of bench coach Don Mattingly, updates on player injuries, and discussions about contract extensions for key personnel. The team is gearing up for spring training in February, with the regular season set to commence in March against the Oakland Athletics.