Ten years after the Toronto Blue Jays made a long-awaited return to the post-season, former star player José Bautista sees parallels between that historic team and the current 2025 lineup.
Visiting Toronto to launch his Dominican coffee brand Bella Aldea, Bautista observed a familiar excitement building in the city. The renowned hitter, who stands as the franchise’s second-highest home run scorer with 288 as a Blue Jay, noted a similar camaraderie within this year’s squad reminiscent of his own talented team from the past.
“The atmosphere surrounding the city and the team is quite reminiscent of 2015… The team had great chemistry. We enjoyed each other’s company throughout the season, which speaks volumes, and it seems like this group shares that bond as well,” Bautista shared with CBC Sports.
Reflecting on the 2015 Blue Jays, which featured stars like Edwin Encarnación and American League MVP Josh Donaldson, the team ended a playoff drought dating back to 1993 when they clinched their second World Series title.
Even though their journey concluded in the ALCS against the eventual champions, the Kansas City Royals, the captivating run kept audiences across Canada engaged.
At 44 years old, Bautista believes the current Blue Jays team, leading the AL with an 81-59 record, possesses the necessary skills to contend for the championship.
“The offense is thriving, and the starting pitching has been exceptional. While the bullpen has had its ups and downs, they’ve shown enough quality,” Bautista remarked, expressing hope for a deep playoff run if the team maintains its form and remains injury-free.
Looking back at the iconic bat flip incident during the 2015 ALDS Game 5 against the Texas Rangers, which marked its 10th anniversary on October 14, Bautista described it as a pivotal moment for the franchise, emphasizing that it remains enjoyable even a decade later.
As the newest inductee into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, Bautista still holds claim to the most recent major highlight in Blue Jays history but eagerly anticipates new moments surpassing his legacy in the upcoming playoffs.
Heading into a crucial series against the Yankees in New York, the Blue Jays lead the AL East by four and a half games, with the Boston Red Sox also in the chase. Barring any injuries, Bautista believes the team is well-prepared for the final stretch of the season as September sets the stage for the playoffs.
Ending with a hopeful prediction, Bautista expressed his confidence in the Blue Jays’ chances, emphasizing the need for a bit of luck and good health to secure a successful postseason, ideally culminating in a victory over the Dodgers in six games.