3 Blue Jays who could shape the rest of the 2026 season

In a season where there was high hopes for the Toronto Blue Jays entering the year, they have certainly disappointed given where they are at now and how they have performed overall. Currently sporting a middling 45-51 record and sitting dead last in the American League East, let’s just say this wasn’t exactly what Blue Jays' fans had envisioned, especially after coming off their spectacular run to the World Series last year.

But in particular, the Blue Jays have seen the struggles of many of their players from an offensive standpoint. In fact, the lack of run generation has really hurt Toronto, especially in close games. More significantly, the Jays really need their key players to start stepping up their game and making a difference in order for them to have any chance to contend during the second half of the season.

Which Blue Jays need to step up their game in the second half for Toronto to have any chance of success?

George Springer

As the veteran leader Springer has unfortunately dropped off considerably in 2026. Coming off a stellar 2025 season in which he won a Silver Slugger Award by batting .309 with a .959 OPS along with 32 home runs and 84 RBIs, Springer has managed just a .218 mark with a .677 OPS, with nine home runs and 22 RBIs.

For someone to have their batting average drop almost 90 points and an OPS by almost 300 points, it’s no wonder it has severely stunted the Jays’ offensive potential this year. Springer has also hit just .150 with a .479 OPS with runners in scoring position. The Blue Jays really need the 36-year-old slugger to do what he does best to have any chance of a resurgent second half.

Alejandro Kirk

While Kirk has missed quite a bit of action this season due to injuries, when he has been healthy, he hasn’t looked like the All-Star that he was last season.

In 26 games of action thus far, the 27-year-old catcher has compiled a dismal .202 average, .587 OPS, along with eight runs scored, four doubles, two home runs and nine RBIs. If it hadn’t been for the breakout play of rookie Brandon Valenzuela, the catching position would have been a significant hole for the Jays this season.

Not only that, the Blue Jays starters have struggled as well in recent weeks, with their collective team ERA falling to 21st in the league (4.45), their WHIP to 20th (1.33), and their walks given up to 19th (184). As a result, with Kirk still assuming the starting catcher’s role for the Blue Jays, he will need some significant improvement from his bat and the pitchers that he receives the ball from so that they get back on track.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

As the face of the franchise, the Blue Jays are definitely not getting enough out of their $500 million man in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. After posting ridiculous postseason numbers in 2025, Guerrero has seen a shockingly huge drop off in production this year. In 91 games, the 27-year-old has amassed a .262 average, .703 OPS, with 14 doubles, six home runs and 41 RBIs.

For a Jays’ offense that has already had trouble scoring runs all season, they can’t afford to have one of their biggest stars, not to mention one of the highest paid players in the game, continue to underperform without any resolution. Guerrero will need to figure things out soon, whether it be the approach or his mentality at the plate, or perhaps even a change in his swing mechanics.

The sooner these three can get it going the better off the Blue Jays will be. If they can't, the 2026 season could be one of the most forgettable years in Jays' history.

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