Jays Journal
FanSided

Blue Jays vs. Yankees Preview: Toronto has golden opportunity to expand AL East lead

Can the Blue Jays put some distance between themselves and the rest of the American League East in the upcoming crucial series against New York?
ByEdward Eng|
Jul 3, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees left fielder Jasson Dominguez (24) steals second base as Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Leo Jimenez (49) bobbles the throw during the fifth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Jul 3, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees left fielder Jasson Dominguez (24) steals second base as Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Leo Jimenez (49) bobbles the throw during the fifth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

On Sunday, with the offense leading the way, the Toronto Blue Jays completed the sweep of the San Francisco Giants in their first series coming out of the All-Star break. The win marked the Jays’ 10th consecutive win at home, which tied their franchise record. They will look to break that record when the New York Yankees come to town for a three-game series starting on Monday.

When the Yankees visited Toronto earlier this month, the Jays masterfully swept the four-game series to overtake New York atop the AL East standings. Now, the Blue Jays will have a golden opportunity to further cement their division lead in which they currently sit a full three games up on the second-place Bronx Bombers.

Blue Jays vs. Yankees Preview: Toronto has golden opportunity to expand AL East lead

But with the Yankees coming in with their loaded lineup of sluggers, Toronto will certainly need some of their big boys at the top of the order to start waking up and pull their weight soon. That is because the star duo of George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. haven’t really been world beaters as of late. 

It wasn’t too long ago when Springer was on a huge tear, almost single-handedly leading the Jays to victory. However, the 35-year-old veteran has actually been struggling of late, batting a woeful .194 with a .491 OPS and just two runs scored with zero home runs and RBIS in his nine games prior before breaking out with two hits and hitting his team-leading 17th home run of the season on Sunday.

As for Guerrero, many have been still waiting for him to break out in a big way to lead the team, much like how Springer and Addison Barger has so far this year, after signing his massive 14-year, $500 million extension with the Blue Jays.

In his past 15 games, Guerrero has batted .268 with a .763 OPS, nine runs scored, one home run and seven RBIs. Those could be solid numbers for the average baseball player, but when it comes to Vladdy, who is now the face of the franchise, the expectations are certainly a lot higher. Hopefully, his two-hit game on Sunday along with his 13th long ball of the season is the beginning of something great for the young 26-year-old superstar.

For probable pitchers, the Jays will have ace Kevin Gausman (6-7, 4.19 ERA) lead things off on Monday, followed by Max Scherzer (1-0, 4.70 ERA) and Chris Bassitt (10-4, 3.89 ERA). The Yankees will counter with Carlos Rodon (10-6, 3.08 ERA), rookie Cam Schlittler (1-0, 5.06) and ace Max Fried (11-3, 2.43 ERA) with hopes to exact some revenge after being swept by Toronto just over two weeks ago.

The rivalry between the two teams have always produced some intense and exciting baseball over the years. But with now potential playoff implications on the line as well, the Jays can prepare for a “clash of the titans” matchup against their arch division rivals.