Mariners and Blue Jays Battle it Out for Underestimated Spot in the World Series
The Seattle Mariners and the Toronto Blue Jays, two underestimated teams in Major League Baseball (MLB), are contending for a spot in the 2025 World Series. Both teams have a history of limited success in the league. The Mariners have never appeared in the World Series, while the Blue Jays last saw a final in 1993. The two clubs face off in the American League Championship Series, marking an important moment in their franchise histories.
Clash of Underestimated Teams
This postseason clash offers Seattle a chance to reach the World Series for the first time. The Mariners previously beat the Blue Jays in the Wild Card Series in 2022. During the 2025 regular season, the teams met six times, with Toronto winning four games, including three in Seattle.
Historical Context
- This series is the fifth with both teams having over 30-year gaps since their last World Series appearance.
- Previous similar scenarios include matchups in 1980, 1984, 1982, and 1995.
- As the third American League Championship Series in two roofed stadiums, it follows the 1991 and 2023 series.
Games one and two are slated for Sunday and Monday in Toronto’s Rogers Centre. If necessary, the series could return to Canada for the final two games after three matches in Seattle’s T-Mobile Park.
Road to the Championship
The Mariners are competing in their fourth American League Championship Series since their founding 49 years ago. Their last appearance was in 2011, achieving entry this year by overcoming the Detroit Tigers in a historic extra-innings victory, highlighted by Jorge Polanco’s hit. This game set a record as the longest elimination match with 15 innings played in four hours, 58 minutes.
Toronto’s Path to the Final
The Blue Jays dominated the New York Yankees in their Divisional Series. Led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who hit .529 with three home runs and nine RBIs, they outperformed New York in various categories, including runs (34-19), hits (50-34), and home runs (9-4).
| Team | Division Record | Playoff Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle Mariners | 90-72 | First Division Title in 24 Years |
| Toronto Blue Jays | 94-68 | First Division Title Since 2015 |
Franchise Background
Established during the 1977 American League expansion, both teams share a unique league history. Toronto stands out as the only MLB team based outside the United States. Conversely, Seattle is located at the far edge of the league’s original geographic scope.
If either team advances to the World Series, they will venture into relatively unfamiliar territory. The Mariners, in particular, are poised for a historic breakthrough as they aim for their inaugural appearance.
