Blue Jays Surge Toronto’s Local Business Economy As John Schneider & Co. Set To End Decade-Long Drought

If you told anyone in March that the Toronto Blue Jays would be tied with the New York Yankees so late in the season, they would find it unbelievable. Excited too for sure. But baseball has a way to surprise even the best of people. The Jays and Yankees are now tied at identical numbers (93-68). And the match against the Tampa Bay Rays will decide who comes out on top.

If Toronto wins, it will get to taste the division crown for the first time since 2015. This will effectively end their decade-long drought there. And they get the No. 1 seed in the American League and the first-round bye in the playoffs. Even if the Yankees tie their record, the Jays hold the tiebreaker thanks to an 8-5 season series advantage.

And this is rare for the Jays, a franchise that’s five decades old. It is almost poetic, too, the way things are unfolding. Because on the tenth anniversary of their last division title and the 40th anniversary of their first, they could finally be back on top as they head to October games. And the excitement among the fans is over the roof. So much so that their being on top is helping fuel businesses in Toronto.

MLB, Baseball Herren, USA Houston Astros at Toronto Blue Jays Sep 11, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer (left) and manager John Schneider (center) and starting pitcher Kevin Gausman (right) celebrate a win over the Houston Astros at Rogers Centre. Toronto Rogers Centre Ontario CAN, EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xJohnxE.xSokolowskix 20250911_jla_ss9_092

For example, The Steam Whistle Brewery’s Declan Ryan, talking to Global News, said, “Normally, we would be dead by now, but it’s electric—lots more money and lots more business.” Plus, a lot of out-of-towners seem to be coming to watch the game. This means more business in restaurants, hotels, bars, and businesses. And it is understandable, because John Schneider and Co., getting so close to championships, is hard to come by.

And Toronto’s final regular-season game against the Rays is not just about getting the division; it’s about proving the team’s mettle over the games the entire time. Even with various adversaries, the Jays have earned the right to control their fate. A win guarantees them the best record in the American League and sets them up for a deep playoff run, and also fuels the city’s excitement.

For now, Jays are going to rely heavily on Kevin Gausman to get them through the stretch with the Rays. Kevin Gausman (10-11, 3.47 ERA) is 8-9 with a 3.91 ERA in 25 career games against Tampa. He is also 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA against them in two starts this year. So, the fans and even players like Jeff Hoffman are relying on Gaussy to get them through, even though he would be under immense pressure. Ending a decade-long drought is no joke. But this is now; what about the World Series? Are they capable of winning that? It seems tough if you dig a little deeper.

Why the Toronto Blue Jays won’t win the World Series in 2025

Just a week ago, the Toronto Blue Jays had leverage, they had momentum, and they looked poised to cruise to the AL East title. But here they are, having lost all of that, and the Yankees are breathing down their necks now for the division crown. And while they have plenty of things working for them, some things are unravelling at the worst possible time. Like the starting rotation.

Injuries have sidelined Jose Berrios and Chris Bassitt, and Max Scherzer has posted a sad 10.30 ERA over his last four starts. Granted, Gausman and Bieber have been solid, but then who is the No. 3 starter in the postseason series? Trey Yeasavage has been great, but then it’s hard to trust a rookie who has all but nine MLB innings in his belt in the postseason games, isn’t it?

There is also the huge issue of Bo Bichette. The hit leader has been out with a knee sprain and hasn’t even started running yet in rehab. When or if he does return, how can he perform in the playoffs? That’s a huge question mark. But even this is not that big of a question mark compared to the curious case of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.—the $500 million man.

He was supposed to be the cornerstone player, but he hasn’t been able to carry the team. Over the last seven games, he has been hitting a meagre. 192 with a .453 OPS. And with Bichette on the outs, Vladdy was supposed to be the one carrying the team like a hero—but that’s far from it. So yes, the Jays simply don’t seem like they have it all going, with a shaky rotation, injuries, a superstar slumping, and a vulnerable bullpen.

The math is not in their favor, and maybe the World Series drought looks destined to stretch to another year!

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