The Toronto Blue Jays are set to face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series, a matchup that has rekindled old jokes among fans and commentators alike.
This unforeseen confrontation between these two teams, particularly amid the cloud of missed opportunities, speaks volumes about the evolution and resilience of the Blue Jays.
Blue Jays’ fans have had to endure jokes about failed pursuits of stars like Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki, both of whom now play for the Dodgers.
However, this World Series appearance signifies more than just a comical encore of past disappointments.
It illustrates the Blue Jays’ growth and progress since those missed signings.
The funds that were once earmarked for Sasaki have been redirected toward securing promising players for the future, setting the team on a resurgent path.
As the Blue Jays prepare to take the field against their formidable opponents, they are looking to turn the narrative in their favor.
The sense of opportunity is palpable among the Blue Jays as they aim for a championship and the chance to silence their critics.
Outfielder George Springer reflected on their journey, emphasizing the significance of the matchup despite its daunting nature.
“That’s a great baseball team. There’s absolutely no denying it. For us, it’s just about staying in the moment,” Springer noted on the eve of Game 1 at Rogers Centre.
This moment felt improbable just under a year ago, on December 8, 2023.
The day had dawned full of hope for the Blue Jays, as rumors circulated that they were on the brink of signing Ohtani, the biggest name in free agency.
Fans and players alike were glued to their smartphones, anxiously awaiting news from General Manager Ross Atkins and Team President Mark Shapiro, who were thought to be closing in on a monumental victory.
Kevin Gausman was tracking the news from a golf cart in Puerto Rico while Bo Bichette was busy texting a former teammate.
Hope hung in the air, but it quickly became evident a day later that Ohtani had chosen the Dodgers over Toronto, a disappointing outcome for the franchise.
“It’s an unfortunate reality as a free agent,” Ohtani commented through an interpreter, acknowledging the difficult choices players face.
This disappointment was echoed just months later when Roki Sasaki, touted as the next great Japanese pitcher, visited Toronto.
Sasaki had entertained thoughts of joining the Blue Jays, even participating in a workout wearing their jersey on their mound, yet ultimately opted for the sunny allure of Los Angeles.
Reflections on the decision left him with mixed emotions. Upon returning to Toronto, he simply remarked, “It’s cold. That’s what I thought.”
The Blue Jays’ record against the Dodgers over the past two seasons stands at a disheartening 2-4, and the added defeats in free agency leave a grim tally of 2-6.
Yet the upcoming matches are all that matter now, as winning just four games would lead to a World Series title hanging proudly in Rogers Centre.
Contrary to popular belief, the Blue Jays arrived at this moment through more than just acquiring high-profile talents.
Despite the setbacks with Ohtani and Sasaki, the Blue Jays forged ahead.
In fact, they made a significant move by securing a tremendous deal with their own star player, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., earlier this season.
Guerrero’s 14-year contract worth $500 million not only solidified his place but also marked a turning point for the franchise looking to rebuild after a tough 2024 season.
The Blue Jays utilized the offseason to replenish their farm system at the trade deadline, drafting top prospects like JoJo Parker.
In a twist of fate, they even turned the failed attempt to sign Sasaki into a success by spending the acquired international bonus money on talented players.
Among those signings was 18-year-old infielder Juan Sanchez, who is viewed by some within the organization as one of their best international acquisitions since Guerrero.
They also secured 18-year-old Korean pitcher Seojun Moon, who once seemed destined for the Dodgers, heightening the excitement around their talent pool.
Touted as a player who exemplified everything good about the team, Myles Straw, who joined Toronto as part of their deal with the Guardians, contributed significantly to the roster, posting a 2.9 bWAR.
“I wouldn’t rather be anywhere else,” Straw said of his time with the Blue Jays. “Things worked out how they should. Who knows? Maybe we’ll see Moon throw in the World Series for the Blue Jays one day.”
Despite past rejections by high-profile players, the Blue Jays have navigated their obstacles and evolved into a competitive force.
Their path to the World Series was illuminated during the final weekend of the season when they swept the Tampa Bay Rays, a team that had long been a thorn in their side.
It was an accomplishment of great significance, marking the first time the Blue Jays swept the Rays since 2015.
This season also witnessed the Jays clinching their first division title since 2015 and their first under the current management regime of Shapiro and Atkins.
Moving through the postseason, they faced down rivals like the Yankees and emerged victorious, winning the American League pennant.
Now they stand on the brink of facing a Dodgers squad aiming for back-to-back championships, a feat that has eluded teams since the New York Yankees did it in the early 2000s.
With a roster boasting three MVPs and a pitching staff that dominated during the National League Championship Series, the Dodgers are the epitome of a challenge.
They also remain the team that features both Sasaki and Ohtani, further emphasizing the stakes for the Blue Jays.
Before Game 1 commenced, nearly every Blue Jay was confronted with the same queries: How do they plan to beat this powerhouse? Are they really the underdogs?
Though responses varied, many players acknowledged the importance of focusing on their strengths and the depth of their squad.
Outfielder Ernie Clement addressed the situation head-on, recalling the biblical tale when he declared, “David won. Didn’t he?”
As the Blue Jays gear up to take on the Dodgers, this final challenge presents an opportunity for them to transform their narrative and silence the detractors once and for all.
image source from：nytimes
