Discover How Previous Blue Jays Teams Have Performed in the ALCS

The Toronto Blue Jays are poised to begin their American League Championship Series (ALCS) this Sunday. This marks their return to this playoff stage since 2016. The team will face the Seattle Mariners, who recently eliminated the Detroit Tigers. The Blue Jays advanced to the ALCS by defeating the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series (ALDS).

Past Performances of Blue Jays Teams in the ALCS

Throughout their history, the Blue Jays have reached the ALCS on seven occasions: 1985, 1989, 1991 to 1993, and then again in 2015 and 2016. Below is an overview of how each team performed in their respective ALCS appearances.

1985: First ALCS Appearance

In 1985, the Blue Jays recorded 99 wins, a feat unmatched by any subsequent team. They entered the postseason and faced the Kansas City Royals in the ALCS. Despite a competitive series that extended to seven games, the Royals triumphed, paving their way to a World Series victory.

1989: Division Champions

The 1989 squad secured 89 wins and clinched the division title. However, they struggled in the ALCS against the Oakland Athletics, managing to win only one game. The A’s would go on to sweep the San Francisco Giants in the World Series.

1991: Another Strong Season

Two years later, the Blue Jays achieved 91 wins, leading them to another division title. They met the Minnesota Twins in the ALCS but again only won one game, as the Twins advanced to the World Series and emerged as champions.

1992: First World Series Title

The Blue Jays had a standout season in 1992, winning 96 games. They claimed their second consecutive ALCS title, defeating the Atlanta Braves in the World Series, capturing their first championship.

1993: Back-to-Back Champions

In 1993, Toronto continued their winning streak with 95 regular-season victories. They took the ALCS against the Chicago White Sox before securing a second consecutive World Series title by defeating the Philadelphia Phillies.

2015: The José Bautista Era

After a lengthy playoff drought, the Blue Jays returned in 2015, completing the season with 93 wins. They vanquished Texas in the ALDS but fell to the Kansas City Royals in the ALCS, echoing their earlier challenges.

2016: A Narrow Escape

Despite finishing the regular season with only 89 wins in 2016, the Blue Jays won a wildcard game and swept Texas in the ALDS. However, they faced another defeat in the ALCS, losing to Cleveland in five games.

Current Season Reflections

As the Blue Jays prepare for their latest ALCS, they draw parallels to past successful squads. Recent comments from former player José Bautista highlight the similarities between the current team and the energetic 2015 roster. Bautista noted the importance of enjoyment and unity for achieving excellence in the postseason.

• Years in ALCS: 1985, 1989, 1991-1993, 2015, 2016
• Total ALCS Appearances: 7
• Current Season Wins: 93 (2025)
• Before 2025 Season Wins Echo: 99 (1985), 89 (1989), 91 (1991), 96 (1992), 95 (1993), 89 (2016)

As the team embarks on this postseason journey, fans are hopeful for a return to glory reminiscent of their championship runs in the early ’90s.