3 stories that give Blue Jays fans extra incentive to watch the 2026 MLB playoffs

October baseball will look a little different for fans of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Yes, the world of baseball won't see the electric atmosphere at the Rogers Centre in the postseason while watching Canada rise for its Blue Jays. But just because Toronto won't be competing for another World Series doesn't mean there's no room for a little bit of fun.

There are still big stories to follow next month, and some will hit close to home for Blue Jays fans.

Kevin Gausman, AL East war, and Dodgers' biggest hurdle are things Blue Jays' fans should keep their eyes on during October

Kevin Gausman

The 2026 Trade Deadline was a tough time for the Blue Jays, who realized they needed to go into a bit of a sell mode and part ways with expiring contracts. One of those contracts was Kevin Gausman's, who was dealt to the Chicago Cubs for rookie sensation Brett Bateman and minor leaguer Ty Southisene.

After a shaky Cubs debut, Gausman settled and is currently sitting with a 4-2 record and a 4.83 ERA in nine starts with 57 strikeouts. The Cubs were desperate for a starting pitcher, and Gausman was their answer. As Chicago locked up their Postseason spot, Gausman is expected to have a big role in his pursuit of another World Series.

Unfortunately, Gausman injured his non-throwing shoulder after an incredible play to get a runner out at third base. With no timeline to return, the Cubs sit waiting for word on their rental. Regardless, seeing Gausman get another opportunity after falling short last October is a feel-good story for Blue Jays fans, and one they want to see fulfilled.

AL East Showdown

It's the same description of the American League East every year: baseball's toughest division. The division has hindered many Blue Jays' opportunities for World Series glory. Even with the playoff expansion to what we know today in 2022, it's still a grind because of the division's competition.

Fortunately, for Blue Jays fans, they can turn into haters, knowing that their rivals will have to eliminate each other for a chance to play in the American League Championship Series. The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox will most likely face off in the Wild Card Round, and one of them will have to take on the menacing Tampa Bay Rays.

Is there an argument that some playoff (or division) realignment needs to be considered? Sure. But it's fun knowing that two of your rivals will have their World Series dreams cut short. Never a bad time to pull up a bowl of popcorn and watch the madness unfold.

Can the Brewers take down the evil empire?

The Los Angeles Dodgers are trying to pull off a feat not seen since 2000: a three-peat. Before the Dodgers' back-to-back wins last season, there hadn't been a repeat champion since the three-peat by the New York Yankees between 1998 and 2000.

For all the frustrations, seeing the big-spending Dodgers achieve this much success, deep down, is something all fans wish for their favorite teams. But a new hope may be on the horizon: a team could bring down the evil empire, and it could be the Milwaukee Brewers.

Being the first 100-win team since 2023 (something the Dodgers didn't even do in their World Series years), the Brewers locked up the top spot in the National League and are serious contenders to make their first World Series since 1982. It's also their first 100-win season in franchise history.

Looking for revenge for their NLCS sweep at the hands of the Dodgers last season, the Brewers have the pieces to finally get over the hump and go to their second World Series. It's a tall task, but behind pitching sensation Jacob Misiorowski and big bats like Jake Bauers and Brice Turang, it's not impossible.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow