Few expected the Toronto Blue Jays to win the AL East and secure the best record in the American League. Preseason projections from ESPN ranked them 20th, predicted an 83-79 record, and gave just a 39.2 percent chance of making the playoffs. The expectation was that the team might even consider trading Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at the deadline.
Toronto's season began amid failed attempts to acquire top talent, key injuries, struggles from marquee players, and unresolved contract situations. The team pursued Roki Sasaki and was prepared to spend over $700 million on Juan Soto, only to be outbid by the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets, respectively.