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5 former Blue Jays whose World Series hopes remain alive after Division Series

The dream lives on in October for these ex-Toronto players.
ByEdward Eng
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Oct 7, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) walks to third base against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning in game four of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Oct 7, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) walks to third base against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning in game four of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It wasn’t too long ago when more than a dozen former Toronto Blue Jays players still had their sights set on capturing a World Series ring. Now that the MLB Divisional Series' have wrapped a big number of those players have bid adieu to their chances for another year.

With the Los Angeles Dodgers, Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers and the Cleveland Guardians making it through to the final four there are five former Blue Jays standing in their quest to win a championship title.

These former Blue Jays still have a shot at the World Series

Steven Matz, Tampa Bay Rays

Steven Matz came close to helping the Blue Jays reach the postseason in 2021. He posted a career high 2.7 fWAR that season, making 29 starts. Matz left in free agency the following year and has played for the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox in the intervening years.

He signed a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays this offseason and while he made the team's playoff roster, he wasn't used in the ALDS against the New York Yankees. The Rays quickly dispatched the Yankees in three games using a consistent dose of Cam Booser, Ian Seymour and Bryan Baker as their main bullpen weapons. With the upcoming best-of-seven ALCS against the Guardians, Matz should make his 2026 MLB playoff playoff debut for Tampa Bay.

Brock Stewart, Los Angeles Dodgers

Brock Stewart played in a 10 game cameo with the Blue Jays in 2019 after Toronto claimed him off waivers from the Dodgers on July 31, but was released on outright waivers at the end of the season. He's found his way back to the Dodgers and was on their team last year, but did not factor into their World Series run in 2025, undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery that September.

However, at full health this year, the 35-year-old right-hander appeared in two games in the NLDS against the Atlanta Braves. He held them scoreless and hitless with one strikeout in 1.1 total innings pitched.

Stewart has been tough against right-handed hitters for much of his career, holding opposing righties to a .224 average and an OPS close to .700. Stewart could play an even bigger role against the Brewers. The goal will be to neutralize top right-handed hitters like Jackson Chourio, and William Contreras.

Teoscar Hernández, Los Angeles Dodgers

It may be painful to see former fan favourite Teoscar Hernández headed towards his third consecutive World Series title. But that is exactly how the Dodgers have planned things out.

Hernández struggled to a .188 average and .563 OPS in 16 at-bats in the NLDS. Nevertheless, for someone who is known for coming up with clutch hits in big moments, Hernández still has lots of time to show his worth in the upcoming NLCS against the Brewers.

Bryan Baker and Foster Griffin

Two reliever pitchers who had a combined total of three innings pitched in a Blue Jays uniform. Bryan Baker made his MLB debut for the Blue Jays in on Sept. 5, 2021. He pitched one innings, got one strikeout, and allowed one hit.

Baker was put on waivers, picked up by Baltimore and has spent the following five seasons have good to mediocre seasons for the Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays. He was absolutely lights out this season for the AL East Division champs this year. He pitched in 65 games and produced a 1.44 ERA and 3.07 FIP with a league leading 41 saves and 63 strikeouts in 62.1 innings. He then made history in the ALDS against the Yankees.

Griffin pitched two innings for the Blue Jays during the 2022 season. He picked up two strikeouts, and allowed one walk and one hit, without allowing a run. Griffin then went overseas and played in Japan over the next few seasons. He came back to MLB this year, signing with the Washington Nationals at the start of the year, before the Guardians acquired him. He went 3-3 with a 5.19 ERA and 4.95 FIP in nine starts with the AL Central Division champs.

Both guys will square off against each other when the ALCS opens up on Monday (Oct. 12) at Tropicana Field as the Rays host the Guardians.

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