Toronto’s rise from the bottom to first in the AL East has been one of the most astonishing stories of the season. After a tough start, where the franchise was under .500 and the offense struggled, the Blue Jays now sit atop the division with a legitimate shot at a deep postseason run. However, as ESPN’s Jeff Passan highlighted, concerns are mounting that could hinder their World Series chances, particularly regarding their pitching staff. For the team, the challenge is no longer just about making it to October; it’s about finally breaking a 32-year championship drought.

The spotlight on their bullpen has intensified as the postseason approaches. Passan noted on Talkin’ Baseball: “I saw the Jays this week. I love the Jays’ offense. They do not strike out, and they can hit home runs. It’s a nasty combination. And I like their starters. Kevin Gosman’s been really good recently. Shane Bieber has been resurgent. But for right now, questions about the Toronto bullpen are legitimate and genuine.” While the offense can turn games with power and consistency, the lack of a dependable bullpen arm could be a significant vulnerability against franchises with deeper pitching staffs.

Passan also weighed in on the Yankees, Toronto’s closest AL East rival: “The Yankees’ bullpen has been the worst in the month of September. And yet over the last week, outside of Ryan Yarro’s blowup, they’ve looked pretty good…if it is the Yankees in a wild card series, they can do a whole lot worse than Max Fried and Carlos Herd in the first two games.” The clear implication is that, even if the Jays reach the postseason, their path may be difficult, especially against teams like the Yankees with powerful bullpens.

Further challenges arise with the Jays’ rotation. Bolstered by Shane Bieber, it lacks a true ace comparable to Max Fried or other elite MLB pitchers. Passan pointed to a potential X-factor: “They’re going to figure out how they use Trey Savage. He’s really good—the ride fastball at the top of the zone, complemented by a splitter and a slider. He’s going to be at the top of their rotation for a long time. But for now, bullpen questions remain.” Simply put, the team has promising young arms but may yet be untested in high-pressure postseason scenarios.

The combination of bullpen concerns and mounting Yankees pressure means the Blue Jays’ World Series dreams are far from secure. While the offense and rotation demonstrate elite capabilities, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if the team can maintain consistency and avoid repeating previous disappointments. The window is open, but the margin for error is razor-thin.

While Passan highlighted their bullpen struggles, the team also faces significant roster considerations and high-pressure expectations from key hitters that could shape their championship fate.

Blue Jays roster moves and star return could make or break playoff run

The Toronto Blue Jays gained a timely boost with the surprise activation of Anthony Santander off the injured list. After months sidelined with a shoulder injury, Santander’s return offers a vital spark to a lineup struggling for consistency. Manager John Schneider noted the move was made with the clubhouse’s best interests in mind, particularly after Ty France was placed on the 10-day IL. Santander, a five-year, $92 million signee, struggled earlier this season but brings power-hitting potential to rekindle the offense in September and beyond.

With Bo Bichette sidelined since early September due to a knee injury, Santander’s availability offers a much-needed jolt. His ability to drive in runs and force pitchers to navigate a deeper lineup can help ease pressure on Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who has seen a recent performance decline. George Springer’s hot streak has aided the team, but another consistent threat is essential to maintain the AL East lead over the Yankees. A productive Santander could protect Toronto’s pitchers by generating early runs, lessening bullpen strain in crucial late-game moments.

Beyond the instant impact from Santander, the Blue Jays boast young arms like Trey Yesavage, who is making his MLB debut under intense pressure. While showing composure thus far, the fragile bullpen and lineup adjustments to returning stars highlight just how narrow the margin for error is. The clubhouse balances excitement over clinching a playoff spot with the urgency of maintaining momentum against a surging Yankees team.

Finally, how the Jays manage late-season decisions, blending returning stars, handling injuries, and deploying pitchers, will be vital to their postseason success. Santander rediscovering form, Bichette’s eventual return, and consistent production from Guerrero and Springer could transform a tense sprint into a genuine championship push. Conversely, any misstep could heighten the pressures Passan warned about, risking Toronto’s World Series hopes.