Boone argues the gap between the Yankees and Blue Jays isn’t as wide as their head-to-head results suggest, despite admitting Toronto clearly outplayed New York in 2025. The Blue Jays swept the 2025 regular-season matchups 8-5 (including a dominant 6-1 edge in Toronto) and then defeated the Yankees in a four-game ALDS, outscoring them 34-19 before ending one win shy of the World Series.
Yet Boone insists the records from last season show more similarity than the eye test might indicate. He’s quick to acknowledge that Toronto played exceptionally well, adding that the two teams finished with identical 98-64 records, and that “they were a great team last year and an eyelash away from winning a world championship.” In other words, the gap isn’t as large as the results in those series imply, even if Toronto earned the right to brag about last season’s success.
Heading into the new season, Toronto has been aggressive to shore up its rotation, signing free-agent starters Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, in addition to existing arms Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber, and Jose Berrios. The Blue Jays are also weighing a return for infielder Bo Bichette and eyeing Kyle Tucker as a top target on the open market, aiming to strengthen both depth and ceiling in their lineup.
The Yankees, meanwhile, have kicked off their offseason with some notable moves: extending a $22.025 million qualifying offer to center fielder Trent Grisham and re-signing right-hander Ryan Yarbrough to a $2.5 million deal. General manager Brian Cashman has signaled continued interest in re-signing Cody Bellinger, who, despite being a left-handed hitter, posted exceptional numbers against lefties last season (a .353 average and a 1.016 OPS in 176 plate appearances). The Yankees also plan to bolster the bullpen and add a proven starting pitcher, given that Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón are expected to start the season on the injured list.
Bottom line: the competition in the AL East remains fierce, and while Toronto carried momentum in 2025, New York is not conceding a wide gulf. The real story is a re-balanced balance of power, where a few offseason moves could tilt the division one way or the other. Do you think Toronto’s aggressive roster construction will outpace New York again, or can the Yankees rebound with targeted acquisitions? Share thoughts in the comments.
