Blue Jays Clinch First AL East Title Since 2015 with Win Over Rays

The Toronto Blue Jays clinched the American League East division title in 2025, securing the AL's No. 1 seed with a decisive 13-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays at Rogers Centre, marking their first division title since 2015. Catcher Alejandro Kirk was instrumental, hitting two home runs including a grand slam, and recording a career-high six RBIs. The Blue Jays finished with a 94-68 record and earned a bye to the ALDS, where they will host the winner of the wild-card series between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. The Yankees, locked in as the No. 4 seed, will host the Red Sox in a best-of-three wild-card series starting Tuesday, continuing their historic postseason rivalry. Toronto's clinching was confirmed after their win coupled with the Red Sox defeating the Tigers, and they hold the tiebreaker over the Yankees due to head-to-head record. The Blue Jays' strong finish and strategic pitching choices, including Trey Yesavage's five scoreless innings in a prior win, positioned them favorably for the playoffs, emphasizing their status as the top team in the AL East.