Page 44 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 155
P. 44

44                 Issue #155 December 2025                                                       www.sportsenergynews.com




                                  Sports
                                  Sports
                                  Sports
                                  Sports
                                                              ws
                                                              ws
                                               Ne
                                               Ne
            Energy
            Energy
            Energy                             Ne             ws               presents Sports Panel
            Energy News
                                               Stories And More About The People In Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry
         The Blue Jays enjoyed a very successful 2025 season, leading the American League in wins
         and making it to the World Series. Was this year an aberration, or are they now legitimate

         contenders?

                       Peter Collins - Sports Enthusiast  -  It seems that the success of the 2025 Blue Jays has brought a newfound confidence
                       to the organization. Much of that confidence should be attributed to Vladimir Guerrero’s emergence as a bona fide
                       leader of the Jays. Until this past year, Vladimir was a special talent, but not necessarily a player who could inspire his
                       teammates. His energy, inspiration, and his ability to make timely plays was one of the main reasons for the Jays long
                       playoff run. As well, the emergence of John Schneider as a capable Manager and good decision-maker bodes well for
                       the Toronto team in the future. 2026 will bring changes to the team, but if Santander rebounds, Springer maintains his
                       level of performance, and they can retool some of their starting and relief pitching, the future looks bright. This past
                       season also revealed some young stars such as Barger, Yesavage, and Kirk, who are ready to take on bigger roles on

                       the team. Yes, the Jays should contend next year, and a trip back to the playoffs should be the minimum expectation.

                       Jake Lapierre -Conditioning Coach -  The Toronto Blue Jays’ 2025 campaign was nothing short of remarkable. They
                       led the American League in wins, captured the AL East with a 94–68 record, and battled their way to the World Series.
                       But the question remains: was this season an aberration, or a sign that the Jays have arrived as legitimate, long-term
                       contenders?
                       Back in August 2025, five months into the season, I wrote in Sports Energy News that the Blue Jays were positioning
                       themselves as true contenders down the stretch. The signs were already there—momentum was building, team

                       chemistry was strong, every player was contributing, and the group was clearly feeding off both clubhouse confidence
                       and fan support.
                       What unfolded over the rest of the season validated those early observations. Toronto’s offensive consistency improved
                       dramatically, and individual franchise pitching & batting records were shattered along the way. The Blue Jays led MLB
                       in total hits and ranked near the top in batting average, on base percentage, and performance with runners in scoring
                       position. Just as impressively, they showcased resilience all year long, setting a franchise record for comeback victories.
                       So, are the Toronto Blue Jays now positioned as perennial contenders?
                       The success of the 2025 season was no fluke. It reflected real growth, meaningful development, and a foundation
                       that can support long-term success. That said, baseball remains one of the most unpredictable sports; maintaining a
                       sustained championship competitive level depends on continued progress, smart roster management, and the ability
                       to build upon the momentum of a strong season. The Blue Jays 2025 season was a great indication that the franchise

                       is moving in the right direction and like many fans, I’m certainly looking forward to a 2026 repeat.

                       Jim Riddell - Seaway Karate Club - The Toronto Blue Jays will be contenders again in 2026. This past season the Jays
                       went as far as any team could possibly go without winning the World Series, right down to the final out in game 7.
                       Most of the core players are under contract and will be returning, and their four unsigned  arbitration eligible players
                       have all been offered contracts. Toronto is playing in a very competitive division, and they will need to make a few
                       upgrades to stay ahead of their rivals. The Jays will be aggressive in free agency, they have the money to spend, and
                       Toronto will be a desired location for any big name players wanting to chase a World Series ring. The 2026 season
                       won’t be easy, but the Jays will be in the mix.
   39   40   41   42   43   44   45   46   47   48