Blue Jays Clinch AL East After Kirk's Two Homers

On the regular season’s final day, catcher Alejandro Kirk hit two home runs and drove in six to clinch the American League East for the Toronto Blue Jays, the franchise’s first division title in 10 years. Days earlier, Daulton Varsho snapped a prolonged offensive slump with a sixth-inning grand slam that powered a 6–1 win over Boston and trimmed Toronto’s magic number while keeping them deadlocked with the Yankees. The division crown caps a surprising season in which the Jays overcame injuries to key acquisitions and uneven offense, with big contributions from Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer and Kevin Gausman alongside several unexpected sources. Late-season pitching moves and a steadied bullpen, including effective opener usage and length from swingmen, helped stabilize the staff. Toronto enters the playoffs with home-field advantage and momentum but lingering questions remain about sustaining its offense in October.