José Bautista says the 2025 Toronto Blue Jays remind him of the 2015 squad that reignited playoff hopes across Canada.
A Familiar Buzz in Toronto
Toronto Blue Jays legend José Bautista believes the 2025 club carries the same spark as the 2015 team that ended the franchise’s two-decade playoff drought. Speaking Thursday in Toronto while promoting his Dominican coffee brand, Bautista pointed to the atmosphere in the city and the team’s unity as signs of another memorable postseason run.
Comparing Eras of Excitement
The former slugger, who hit 288 home runs with the Blue Jays, noted that this year’s roster mirrors the chemistry of his 2015 teammates. That group, led by stars like Josh Donaldson and Edwin Encarnación, fell just short of the World Series but captivated fans nationwide. Bautista said the current squad is showing the same joy and cohesion needed to chase a championship.
Strengths of the Current Team
The 2025 Blue Jays enter September with an American League-best record of 81–59. Bautista praised the balance of power hitting, consistent starting pitching, and a bullpen that, despite struggles, has held up under pressure. He emphasized that health will be the key factor if the Jays hope to advance deep into October.
Remembering a Defining Moment
This season also marks the 10-year anniversary of Bautista’s iconic bat flip during Game 5 of the 2015 ALDS against Texas. The moment remains etched in Canadian sports history, but Bautista said he hopes this year’s players create new highlights that surpass even his. “Hopefully there’s another few bat flips this October,” he said with a smile.
The Stakes Ahead
Toronto begins a pivotal three-game series against the New York Yankees on Friday, holding a 4.5-game lead in the AL East. With Boston also in the hunt, every game looms large. Bautista, set to be inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame this year, predicted the Jays have what it takes to reach the World Series — with a hopeful nod toward a victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Why It Resonates With Fans
For many Canadians, the echoes of 2015 are more than nostalgia. That season reignited baseball passion across the country, uniting fans coast to coast. Bautista’s endorsement of the 2025 team taps into that same collective optimism. As the playoff race tightens, the Blue Jays carry not only statistical momentum but also the weight of expectation — and the chance to write a new chapter in franchise history.
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