Blue Jays President Shapiro Emphasizes Realism in Post-World Series Outlook
Toronto Blue Jays President Mark Shapiro is approaching the team's 50th season with clear-eyed realism, not rose-coloured glasses, following their near World Series victory last year. In a pre-season media session, Shapiro highlighted the unpredictability of baseball and the difficulty of replicating success.
No Such Thing as Running It Back
Shapiro stated, "There is no such thing as running it back. This year is this year. We're shaped and formed by our past... There's only one thing that is absolutely certain and that is that something unexpected is going to happen along the way." He acknowledged that while winning a World Series is extremely hard, making the playoffs is a crucial goal for 2026, though he avoided labeling it as a "playoffs-or-bust" season.
He pointed out historical odds, noting that only three of the past 25 World Series-losing teams have returned to the Series the next year, giving the Jays roughly a 12% chance based on betting math. "I've seen more organizations go off the rails thinking they're going to have to build off last year," Shapiro added, emphasizing the challenges in the tough AL East division.
Volatility in Sports and Team Dynamics
Shapiro reflected on how much can change in a year, comparing the 2024 and 2025 Blue Jays seasons and noting the volatility seen in other Toronto teams like the Maple Leafs. The Jays won the AL East last year for the first time since 2015, with only three first-place finishes in 32 years, underscoring the uncertainty at each season's start.
Last season began with high hopes, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s major contract and chairman Edward Rogers' public aim to bring a World Series to Toronto. Shapiro praised Guerrero's impact, comparing his joyful approach to Kirby Puckett's. "Vladdy has that same joyful exuberance. His love of the game... If that never changes, that will be his greatest impact on this team," he said, highlighting Guerrero's leadership and playoff performances.
Chasing Excellence with a New Roster
Shapiro expressed optimism about the current roster, believing it is stronger on paper than last year's, despite the loss of Bo Bichette. He acknowledged that every team president says similar things annually but stressed the Jays are "chasing excellence" without a defined endpoint. With 35 seasons in baseball, including 25 as a senior executive, Shapiro has no World Series rings yet but came close last year.
He concluded by reiterating that "running it back" isn't feasible, but hinted at striving for a better outcome this season. The Blue Jays, after improving from 74 wins in 2024 to 94 last year, face the ongoing challenge of building on their success in a competitive landscape.
