MLB Playoffs: Examining the three team AL Wild Card race

Toronto Blue Jays

The Jays have arguably the most exciting team in baseball. They kind of remind me of the 2015 Chicago Cubs: a team that can sneak into the playoffs as a Wild Card but do a little more damage than expected.

The thing about that 2015 Cubs team was that they were still so young. They had a core that was together the following year when that postseason experience of 2015 paid dividends with a World Series ring in 2016.

But we can’t look ahead. It’s all about 2021.

Toronto started even slower than New York at 33-35. Since that point, they’re 49-29 and have been playing some great baseball. They’ve come into their own, led in large part by the young bats.

Five Blue Jays have at least 20 home runs, and Lourdes Guerriel (19) is likely to make it six. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has 45 homers, 103 RBI, and is hitting .317 with a .406 OPB.

The big advantage the Jays have is that ten of their final 16 games are against teams already eliminated in the Twins and Orioles, meaning the Jays have very winnable games. Outside of that, Toronto plays three at Tampa, but arguably the biggest series remaining will be a three game set against the Yankees in Toronto.

It’s pretty simple for the red hot Blue Jays: win the games you should and you’re likely an AL wild card.