By Savannah Tam
Right now, the Toronto Blue Jays are in the top wildcard spot for the playoffs. It is a close race between many teams around the league, so the Jays cannot lose. Last season, they missed the playoffs by one game and are eager to make it this season. The last time they made the playoffs in a regular season was in 2016. They technically made it in 2020, but the season was played and scheduled differently due to Covid, and there were only 60 games played compared to the usual 162. Because of this, it won’t be counted when compared to regular seasons.
The once untouchable New York Yankees are starting to fall and any team in the American League (A.L.) East can now catch up to them. The Yankees are still number one in the A.L. East, but the Jays are only 7.5 games behind. With only 12 games left in the season, the Jays are hoping to come out on top or at least make it to the playoffs with a wildcard spot.
The Jays will likely make it this year as there are three wildcard spots instead of just two. Their biggest competition in the A.L. are the Tampa Bay Rays and the Seattle Mariners who currently take up spots 2 and 3 in the wildcard standings. As long as the Jays win most of their next few games they will likely make it to the playoffs, bringing in the joy and excitement of being in the playoffs. If they start losing, they may not make the playoffs which would be a huge upset for the team and for Canada.
Note: stats updated as of Sept. 22, 2022, Blue Jays have since won the wildcard spot.