The 32-year drought continued when the Dodgers captured the World Series in a thrilling extra-innings classic. From the very moment Will Smith’s 11th-inning home run cleared the fence, the atmosphere in the Blue Jays dugout shifted from cautious hope to crushing despair. Eyes that had sparkled with championship dreams were filled with tears. And now, backup catcher Tyler Heineman has shared an emotional message reflecting on the end of Toronto’s historic season.

Tyler Heineman has a one-year arbitration contract of $1.5m with the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2026 season. He hit .289 with 3 home runs and 20 RBIs in the regular season. Although he had no hits in 3 postseason at-bats, his clubhouse presence was crucial during Toronto’s championship run.

In his Instagram post following the devastating loss, Heineman opened his heart to Blue Jays fans. The post was shared by TSN on X! In which he wrote about the loss, how “This stings. This is heartbreaking.” “We wanted this so bad for our team, our families and the city of Toronto. But, as I reflect on the season, I can’t help but feel overwhelmingly PROUD. This was by far the most fun year of baseball I have ever been a part of.”

The catcher praised the team’s resilience throughout their playoff journey. “The way this team battled through seemingly EVERYTHING thrown our way. Somebody gets hurt, someone else steps in and doesn’t miss a beat. One guy doesn’t get a job done, the next guy picks him up. We give up a run, we come right back and score. This was a TEAM. Every guy pulling their weight and then some.”

Heineman went on to appreciate his teammates individually, too. He concluded with gratitude and optimism: “I am beyond blessed to call myself a 2025 American League Champion Blue Jay. Thank you to the best teammates I could ever ask for. What a ride. And thank you to the best fans in the game. We have set the standard. And you better believe we will be back sooner rather than later. Until 2026.”

The Blue Jays played exceptionally well in Game 7, leading 4-2 in the eighth inning. However, Max Muncy’s solo home run in the eighth and Miguel Rojas’ game-tying shot in the ninth kept Los Angeles in the game. Ultimately, Will Smith’s home run in the 11th inning off Shane Bieber gave the Dodgers a 5-4 lead they wouldn’t give up.

Heineman wasn’t the only one devastated by the loss. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who had delivered one of the greatest playoff performances in baseball history, was equally heartbroken. “Told them how proud of the job that they did,” Guerrero said to his teammates in the clubhouse. “I can’t be any prouder of my teammates and all the things they accomplished this year.”

Guerrero had slashed .397/.494/.795 across 18 postseason games with 8 home runs and 15 RBI, winning ALCS MVP honors. His leadership throughout October had been extraordinary, but even his heroics couldn’t deliver the championship Toronto desperately craved. His teary eyes after the loss showed how deeply this loss affected everyone in the clubhouse.

The Blue Jays came within two outs of ending their 32-year championship drought. Instead, they’ll carry this heartbreak into next season, hoping to return and finish what they started.

Key decisions loom for the Toronto front office for the 2026 roster

Now that the dust has settled, the focus in Toronto has shifted to what’s next for the clubhouse.

Toronto’s front office will be very busy this winter, as Bo Bichette is set to become a free agent and veteran pitcher Max Scherzer has said he will retire. Not only this, several important players from this postseason run are about to have to decide on their contracts.

Scherzer, who started Game 7, leaves behind large shoes to fill. Toronto must decide whether to rebuild or reload, as pitchers Chris Bassitt and Bichette’s contracts are set to expire.

Shane Bieber, who was traded to the team from Cleveland at the trade deadline, has a player option for 2026, which means his long-term future is uncertain. Utility infielder Ernie Clement and Gold Glove center fielder Daulton Varsho are also going to arbitration, which might make it hard for the ballclub.

The Blue Jays’ goal for now is clear: maintain the window of opportunity open. The team showed in 2025 that it can compete with the greatest. But to stay in that conversation, General Manager Ross Atkins needs to make quick, smart decisions this offseason. They must ensure that by 2026, the Blue Jays are pursuing what they bring the Ring to Toronto!