5 reasons to be optimistic about the Blue Jays in the second half of 2026

The Toronto Blue Jays arrived at the All-Star break in last place in the American League East with a 45-51 record. To say the 2026 season has been a massive disappointment thus far is reasonable, but to say it’s already over would be disingenuous. 

There is still lots of baseball left to be played, and the Blue Jays aren’t dead yet. Here are five reasons to believe they can turn things around.

Can the Blue Jays still make the playoffs?

1. The standings

The Blue Jays are 12 games back of the first-place Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East—they aren’t going to repeat as division champs. Yet, for as poor as they have played, they are still just 2.5 games back of the final Wild Card spot. 

The Seattle Mariners and Minnesota Twins are currently tied for that final spot at 48-49. The Boston Red Sox, who looked dead in the water two weeks ago, are just a half-game behind them amidst a nine-game winning streak. Anything is possible.

2. Second-half Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 

Guerrero’s abysmal season is a huge reason why the Blue Jays are where they are right now. Yet he finally showed some signs of life heading into the break, hitting two home runs in his final four games while also driving in six runs. 

For his career, Guerrero has played his best baseball after the All-Star break. He posted an .818 OPS before the break in 2024 before exploding for a 1.127 OPS afterwards, and was significantly better post-break in 2025 as well. He's also got the home run dragon on his side.

3. Meaningful trade additions

There is too much riding on this season for the Blue Jays’ front office to sell at the 2026 trade deadline unless they truly fall out of the race. General manager Ross Atkins is going to buy if the team is anywhere near that final Wild Card spot leading up to Aug. 3rd. 

Another starting pitcher and reliever—ideally someone left-handed—would do wonders for this Blue Jays team. A right-hander would also help the lineup. While Atkins and co. aren’t likely to empty the farm for Tarik Skubal, there will be opportunities to improve the team. 

4. Postseason pedigree

Having the confidence and composure to execute under pressure is a skill that the Blue Jays exemplified in 2025. Part of what has made this season so frustrating has been their inability to recapture that composure—but that doesn’t mean it isn’t still there. 

Several of the other teams in the Wild Card race are young and inexperienced. They could crumble down the stretch, while the Blue Jays’ veterans like George Springer and Kevin Gausman could rise to the occasion. Experience matters in crunch time.

5. Reinforcements still to come

The Blue Jays are healthier than they were earlier in the season, yet remain without their Opening Day cleanup hitter, Addison Barger. His eventual return will be a massive boost for an offence that has sorely lacked the thump he can provide. 

Anthony Santander is also working his way back. While it’s probably unwise to expect anything from him, he’s less than two years removed from hitting 44 homers. He might be able to provide something of value if he is finally healthy when he returns. 

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