Every former Blue Jay that could have an impact on Toronto’s path to the World Series

With the Toronto Blue Jays securing the American League East division title on Sunday, they will now have some well-earned time off to prepare for their World Series run in the coming weeks. The Blue Jays will make themselves ready for any opponent that they will encounter on their road to the championship.

However, the last thing Toronto would need is for some former players that are now playing for other teams to wreak havoc in their quest for the World Series.

Every former Blue Jays in the 2025 postseason that could affect Toronto’s path to the World Series

P Ryan Yarbrough, New York Yankees

Already known as a Jays’ killer during his time with the Tampa Bay Rays, the last thing Toronto would want is to face Ryan Yarbrough once again, this time in the MLB Playoffs. With a career 9-3 record and 3.42 ERA in 24 appearances facing the Jays, the nine wins represent the most wins Yarbrough has registered against any club in all of MLB.

The more painful part of it all was the fact that Toronto actually had the 33-year-old left-hander on their side prior to the start of the 2025 season, but chose to let him go and he ended up joining their arch rivals New York Yankees.

This year, Yarbrough has posted a 3-1 record with a 4.36 ERA and 1.20 WHIP as a swingman for New York. But never mind those numbers, the Jays would need to exorcise their demons if they want to get by Yarbrough and the Yankees if they end up meeting in the playoffs.

P Steven Matz, Boston Red Sox

Steven Matz has come a long way since his time with Toronto. The Jays gave Matz the opportunity to get his career back on track as a starter when they acquired him from the New York Mets during the 2020-21 offseason. In the end, the veteran left-hander went a solid 14-7 with a 3.82 ERA along with 144 strikeouts in 150 2/3 total innings pitched.

Since then, Matz has gone on to become a swingman, reinventing himself as practically a full-time reliever in 2025 and has excelled in the role. On the season, the 34-year-old reliever has compiled a strong 5-2 record with a 3.05 ERA and 1.10 WHIP.

More significantly, Matz has been lights out since joining the Red Sox at the trade deadline, posting a stellar 2.08 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, while walking only two batters in 21 2/3 innings over 21 relief appearances.