The Toronto Blue Jays have gotten off to a hot start in the 2026 MLB season. They swept the Athletics in all three games on opening weekend, and it was exactly what you’d expect.
In the much-anticipated series between the Blue Jays and Athletics, Toronto took game one 3-2. Game two 8-7 in the 11th inning, and game three 5-2.
It’s clear when you look up and down the Blue Jays’ lineup that their group is as strong, if not stronger, than last season. When you look at their bullpen, it’s far stronger than last year, even with the injuries in their starting rotation.
It didn’t shape up as a series sweep, but Toronto begins the season 3-0. They’ll face the Colorado Rockies next. Here are three takeaways from the Blue Jays and Athletics series.
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Kazuma Okamoto Will Be a Reliable Player Long-Term
The first of many series for Kazuma Okamoto is under his belt, and the Japanese premier slugger showed that he was as advertised.
Toronto didn’t pick up an international star that might struggle in their lineup. They identified and signed a guy who’s flourished early on. In game one, Okamoto batted near the bottom of the order, but then he batted cleanup, and then fifth. Jumping around the lineup might shake anybody’s confidence, but Okamoto stayed calm under pressure, and that’s exactly what the Blue Jays’ front office needs.
Okamoto batted two-for-three in his MLB debut, but he followed it up with a one-for-five showing, and then a one-for-four showing, including his first MLB home run. Across his first three games, he’s slashed .333/.429/.583, but his overall game outside of hitting has shown he’ll be reliable long-term for Toronto.
Outside of a couple of expected blips, Okamoto’s defence is promising. If he can continue to build upon his strong play, Toronto might have another star bat in their lineup.
Gausman & Cease Will Be a Steady 1-2 Punch This Season
This is one that many were expecting, but it’s been solidified after their opening starts this weekend. Kevin Gausman went six innings and struck out 11 batters. That is the most for a Toronto Blue Jay on an opening day start.
How did Dylan Cease follow that up?
Cease struck out 12 batters in 5.1 innings pitched, and seven batters were struck out in a row. This mark nearly broke a long-standing Blue Jays record. His 12 batters struck out? That was a Blue Jays record in a player’s debut.
This feels like it’s shaping up to be a 1-2 ace situation for the Blue Jays. It’s certainly a strong situation for Toronto to be in, and this is already an improvement from last season. The starting rotation has a clear 1-2 punch, and the remainder of the rotation will be built around that Gausman/Cease duo.
Right now, even in its depleted state, Toronto’s biggest strength and asset is its pitching, and the Gausman/Cease duo proves that tenfold.
Jesús Sánchez Provides Excellent Depth If He Finds Bat Discipline
The Toronto Blue Jays acquired Jesús Sánchez for Joey Loperfido, and it looks like an amazing move just three games into the season.
Yes, it’s early, but Sanchez went deep centre to homer against the Athletics. He’s shown throughout the series that he’ll be a strong bench option. In Toronto’s system, Sánchez will likely be taught bat discipline, and that’s something he wasn’t great at with his previous teams.
It’s important to note that in the Blue Jays’ opening weekend series against the Athletics, Sánchez homered and showcased his power in the home run. If this continues, Toronto could have yet another option in their lineup to bat higher up. If they want to make a run again, they certainly need just that.
The conversation and spotlight now shift to Sánchez and how he parleys a strong series against the Athletics into a season-long spot in the lineup.
With the Colorado Rockies coming into town, Jesús Sánchez will aim to have another couple of big games as the Jays pursue more wins and proven depth out of its lineup.
