Blue Jays Control Their Own Destiny in Post-Deadline Playoff Predictions

Newsweek

4 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
The trade deadline has officially passed, and teams are gearing up for the final two months of the regular season plus the playoffs.
With moves made and rosters bolstered, it's time to predict how the postseason picture will look when October rolls around. Exact records will not be predicted, but instead it will just be the top six teams in American League with their positions in the playoff picture.
BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 29: Seranthony Dominguez #48 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Baltimore Orioles during the seventh inning in game two of a split doubleheader at Oriole Park at Camden Yards...
BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 29: Seranthony Dominguez #48 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Baltimore Orioles during the seventh inning in game two of a split doubleheader at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 29, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. MoreDivision Winners:
1. Toronto Blue Jays -- A.L. East
Key Additions: RP Seranthony Domínguez, SP Shane Bieber, INF Ty France
The Blue Jays have one of the hottest lineups in baseball right now led by Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Adding to the pitching staff was the biggest need for Toronto to continue its own path, and the organization did just that. As long as the Blue Jays avoid a multi-week slump, they can easily finish with the best record in the American League.
2. Houston Astros -- A.L. West
Key Additions: INF Carlos Correa, INF Ramón Urías, OF Jesús Sánchez
The Astros knew they needed to bring in bats at the trade deadline, and that's exactly what they did. They brought back Correa as well as added two additional hitters. Had they managed to get the deal finalized for Dylan Cease, they would've been at the top of the A.L. If their pitching can get healthy quickly, they could very easily challenge the Blue Jays.
3. Detroit Tigers -- A.L. Central
Key Additions: RP Kyle Finnegan, SP Chris Paddack, SP Charlie Morton
The Tigers needed pitching, and they got a lot of it with the highlight being closer Kyle Finnegan. Detroit knew it needed a shutdown reliever to have any chance of success. Outside of the three names mentioned, none of the acquisitions move the needle much, resulting in a third place finish for the Tigers.
Wild Card 1: Seattle Mariners -- A.L. West
Key Additions: INF Josh Naylor, INF Eugenio Suárez, RP Caleb Ferguson
Seattle grabbed two of the best bats on the market at the deadline in two separate deals, and very few teams had a better deadline than the Mariners. This was a pitching-heavy roster, and Jerry Dipoto went out and got strong bats. If the lineup gets hot, the Mariners could challenge the Astros for the A.L. West crown.
Wild Card 2: New York Yankees -- A.L. East
Key Additions: RP David Bednar, INF Ryan McMahon, RP Camilo Doval
This is the first year the Yankees had multiple needs at the trade deadline, and the Bronx Bombers brought in multiple relievers. However, they took the quantity over quality approach aside from David Bednar, and it's tough to be sold on McMahon over at third base. The glove plays well, but the bat is questionable.
Wild Card 3: Boston Red Sox -- A.L. East
Key Additions: SP Dustin May, LHP Steven Matz
The Red Sox sneak into the playoffs in this scenario for one reason and one reason only: starting pitching. A front three of Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello and Dustin May will put the team in position to win almost every time they take the hill. As a result, Boston will secure the final wildcard spot within the final days of the regular season.
More MLB: Astros Reportedly Continue Push for All-Star Infielder Carlos Correa