Uncertainty loomed over the Toronto Blue Jays training camp in February last year as they geared up for the 2025 season following a disappointing finish in the previous year. With the team’s star player’s contract status up in the air and playoff hopes uncertain, the atmosphere was tense.
Fast forward to the present, and the Blue Jays have undergone a remarkable transformation from worst to first, culminating in an impressive postseason run that took them to the brink of winning the World Series.
Recently, the Blue Jays clinched The Canadian Press team of the year award after receiving 29 out of 53 votes (55 per cent) from a panel of editors, writers, and broadcasters nationwide, surpassing other contenders like Rachel Homan’s women’s curling team and the Canadian women’s rugby team.
Reflecting on the season, Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro highlighted the profound impact the team’s success had on the country, uniting fans and instilling a sense of pride within the organization.
In a strategic move, the Blue Jays signed Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a record-breaking contract extension in April, energizing their fan base. Another significant acquisition was star pitcher Shane Bieber during the trade deadline in July, who played a vital role in the team’s success.
Despite facing challenges like injuries to key players, the Blue Jays excelled in the latter part of the season, securing the top spot in the American League East division and making a memorable playoff run.
With Guerrero’s stellar performance anchoring the team, supported by players like George Springer and Alejandro Kirk, the Blue Jays showcased strength both in their lineup and pitching rotation.
After multiple wild-card appearances in recent years, the Blue Jays broke their playoff win drought in 2025, advancing through the AL Division Series and overcoming a tough challenge from the Seattle Mariners in the AL Championship Series.
The highlight of their season was reaching the World Series for the first time in over two decades, with George Springer’s game-winning homer in Game 7 being a defining moment.
Despite falling short in the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Blue Jays’ impressive performance captivated the nation and garnered widespread support.
Shapiro praised the team’s resilience and camaraderie, emphasizing the players’ belief in each other as a key factor in their success throughout the season.
This recognition marks the sixth time the Blue Jays have been awarded the CP team of the year in the history of the award, underscoring their remarkable achievements in the 2025 season.
As the Canadian Press also honored standout athletes like Summer McIntosh and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the sports community continues to celebrate excellence in Canadian sports.
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