The Toronto Blue Jays season has been a mix of positives and negatives. On the positive side, they have been able to remain competitive in an extremely difficult AL East, with a 57-49 record heading into action on Friday. On the negative side, they are 6.5 games out of first, and 2.5 games out in the hunt for the Wild Card.
Meanwhile, on the National League side of the East, the Mets remain atop the division by the thinnest of margins. They have a half game lead over the Phillies, having played one fewer game, and therefore, are one better on the loss side. At 56-52, they have been good enough to lead the division for most of the season.
Toronto Blue Jays in wrong league
If the Blue Jays were in the NL East, instead of being on the AL side of the majors, they would hold a two game lead in the division. That 57-49 record would also leave them three games behind the Padres for the Wild Card, although they would need to pass just one team in order to get that spot.
It is enough to make one wonder what if. Back when Major League Baseball realigned due to the additions of two new teams, one has to wonder what would have happened if the Blue Jays were sent to the National League. At the time, the Montreal Expos still existed, and having the two Canadian teams in the same division would have set up a perfect rivalry.
The Blue Jays are certainly doing what they can to improve their standing in the American League. They drastically improved their pitching staff, acquiring Jose Berrios while shoring up a bullpen that had been a major question mark throughout the season. As they have won five of their six games since the deadline, it is certainly working.
Maybe those moves will be enough for the Blue Jays to find their way into the postseason. The Yankees have been battling COVID issues yet again and could fade, especially with their bullpen issues. The A’s improved, but have not looked strong lately. It is possible that the Red Sox and/or Astros could fade down the stretch as well, giving the Blue Jays a path to the playoffs. But that is not something they would have to worry about in another league.
The Toronto Blue Jays are fighting for a playoff berth, but would be leading the NL East. It is amazing what a difference a league can make.