The Toronto Blue Jays are looking to build on a remarkable postseason run, despite a heartbreaking finish in the 2025 World Series. While the team missed out on acquiring Kyle Tucker, significant offseason moves – including frontline starter Dylan Cease, reliever Tyler Rogers, and Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto – represent a $300 million-plus investment in the future.
Toronto Blue Jays’ Former Bench Coach Don Mattingly Opens Up On ‘Crash Landing’
The sting of last season remains palpable for those involved, including former bench coach Don Mattingly. Now with the Philadelphia Phillies, Mattingly recently reflected on the Blue Jays’ World Series appearance and the agonizing final moments against the Dodgers.
“To be able to win a few rounds and get to the World Series, incredible feeling, obviously I’ve never experienced that before… exhilarating,” Mattingly told WFIE’s Max Parker. However, he also described the abrupt end to their season, recalling the final at-bat of Game 7.
“Your season comes to a crash landing, because even up to the last at-bat, Kirk is up, we’re down a run, one out,” Mattingly recalled. “Kirk is going to get this run in. It’s going to happen. Then a pitch later, the season is over.”
Toronto Blue Jays’ Alejandro Kirk Was Heroic, But Came Up Short In World Series Game 7
Kirk’s performance throughout the postseason, and particularly in the World Series, had fueled belief in a potential comeback even in the final moments. He hit a three-run homer in Game 3, erasing an early two-run deficit on October 27th, and his two-RBI homer in Game 1 contributed to a nine-run inning – one of the highest-scoring frames in World Series history, as noted by Julia Stumbaugh for Bleacher Report.
Despite the additions of Cease, Rogers, and Okamoto, the memory of Kirk’s final at-bat – and the season ending on that pitch – remains a defining moment for the Blue Jays organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What position does Alejandro Kirk play?
Alejandro Kirk is a catcher for the Toronto Blue Jays.
What was Don Mattingly’s role with the Blue Jays?
Don Mattingly was a bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays last season.
How much money have the Blue Jays spent in the offseason?
The Blue Jays have spent over $300 million in free agency this offseason.
Will the Blue Jays’ new acquisitions and the lessons learned from last season be enough to propel them to a championship in the coming year?
