The Toronto Blue Jays have been making waves in the American League East, and their recent performance has sparked debates, especially after Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay dismissed their status as a "first-place team." On July 2, 2025, Kay took to his ESPN New York Radio show to assert that despite the Blue Jays being on the verge of a first-place tie with the New York Yankees, they weren't truly at the top of the division.
Kay pointed to the stark difference in run differentials between the two teams as evidence. "The Blue Jays are not a first-place team, I’m sorry," Kay said. "If you look at the run differential, the Yankees’ run differential is +105. The Blue Jays, after a 12-5 win, finally got in the positive yesterday, they’re +4. Do you realize, they should be a .500 team because of a +4 run differential? And the Yankees should have at least four or five more wins with a +105-run differential. They’re not playing great baseball. I’m sorry, they’re not." This pointed critique came amid a broader discussion of the Yankees' recent struggles.
However, the Blue Jays were quick to prove their mettle. On the same day as Kay’s comments, Toronto staged a remarkable comeback against the Yankees, overcoming an eight-run lead to win 11-9. This victory improved their run differential and pushed them into a tie for first place in the division. Such resilience was a clear statement that baseball standings are about more than just numbers on paper.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider responded to Kay’s remarks with a mix of amusement and confidence. Speaking ahead of the series finale on July 3, Schneider said, "There’s lots of ways to win. There’s not one recipe to win and I think that expected win-loss, yeah, there’s some truth to that. It’s making a play when most other people wouldn’t. It’s taking an extra base when most others wouldn’t, and putting a ball in play when most others wouldn’t. We’re okay with that. That’s how we’re built. It may not be sexy, but I think it comes down to being able to do what you’re good at." His remarks underscored the intangible qualities that often define winning teams beyond statistics.
Indeed, the Blue Jays have been showcasing those qualities throughout the 2025 season. After their thrilling 8-5 victory on July 3 at Rogers Centre, they completed a four-game sweep over the Yankees, a feat that propelled them into sole possession of first place in the AL East for the first time this late in a season since September 5, 2016. With a 49-38 record, the Jays have been defying expectations and making a strong case as legitimate contenders.
George Springer, the team’s leader and star, expressed pride in the squad’s ability to compete despite adversity. "That shows you who we are as a team," Springer said. "Even with guys down, we can go out and compete with one of the best teams in the game. Obviously, they’re a great team, so for us to come out and just be us was awesome." Springer’s performance has been a key factor in the Blue Jays’ surge. On July 3 alone, he hit two two-run home runs, bringing his season total to 14 and 15 homers, and went 3-for-4 with four RBIs and three runs scored.
The team’s depth has also shone through. Nathan Lukes, filling in for the injured Bo Bichette, made the most of his first leadoff assignment of the season by fouling off nine pitches before delivering a crucial two-run double during a 14-pitch at-bat in the fourth inning. "It’s kind of cool, huh?" Lukes said with a grin after the win. "At that point, I just lose track. [Yankees catcher Austin] Wells at one point was just like, ‘Dude, just put it between the two lines. Like, come on.’ So it was fun." His contribution, along with Addison Barger’s three hits and solo homer, helped the Jays maintain offensive pressure throughout the series.
Manager Schneider’s strategic decisions have also paid dividends. In Game 3, he gave Davis Schneider a rare start against right-handed pitcher Will Warren based on minor league stats and a hunch. The gamble paid off spectacularly when Davis Schneider launched two home runs, energizing the team and the fans alike. "Myself, DeMarlo Hale and Donnie [Mattingly] were talking about that in the dugout in his first at-bat. ‘Man, it would be great if Schneids made me look good here,’ and he did. We had a good laugh about that," Schneider recounted.
Beyond the bats, the Blue Jays have improved in other facets of the game. Schneider highlighted the team’s transformation on the basepaths, crediting "very direct conversations" with players earlier in the season that turned Toronto from one of baseball’s worst baserunning teams into a competent one. "Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was instrumental in that," Schneider said. "If the $500 million man is hustling down the line, everyone else will, too. When the big dogs buy in, it just becomes a non-negotiable." This renewed focus on fundamentals has helped the Jays eke out extra wins that might not be reflected fully in run differential.
The Yankees, meanwhile, have faced their own challenges. On July 3, their right-handed pitcher Clarke Schmidt exited early due to forearm tightness after allowing three runs and four hits in three innings. New York slugger Aaron Judge matched a historic team record by drawing his 23rd intentional walk, tying Mickey Mantle’s 1957 mark. Despite Jasson Domínguez’s four-hit performance, the Yankees were swept for the second time this season, their record against AL East opponents slipping to 10-16.
Toronto’s Chris Bassitt pitched impressively, striking out nine over 5 2/3 innings and improving to 4-0 in five career home starts against the Yankees. Closer Jeff Hoffman secured his 21st save in 25 chances, helping to close out the series. The Blue Jays have now won 11 of their last 16 games, a run that has propelled them to the top of the division standings.
Looking ahead, the Blue Jays are scheduled to face the Los Angeles Angels, with left-hander Eric Lauer set to start on July 4. The Yankees will open their weekend Subway Series against the New York Mets, with right-hander Marcus Stroman expected to take the mound. These upcoming games will test the Blue Jays’ newfound momentum and their ability to maintain their position atop the AL East.
While run differentials offer insights, the Blue Jays’ 2025 campaign proves that grit, strategic management, and timely hitting can defy expectations. They have not only silenced doubters like Michael Kay but also rekindled hope among their fans that this could be a season to remember. As the division race tightens with the Tampa Bay Rays just half a game behind, the Blue Jays’ blend of veteran leadership, young talent, and unyielding spirit is making a compelling statement: they belong at the top.
