Publication Date: March 25, 2026, 11:01h.

Updated on: March 25, 2026, 11:01h.

• Blue Jays’ Win Totals Plummet to 88.5 on BetMGM
• Injuries to pitchers crucial to this decline as the season kicks off Friday
• Baltimore Orioles Show Significant Improvement in American League East Standings

Are punters starting to lose faith in the Toronto Blue Jays, much like the chilly March breezes and snow flurries off Lake Ontario this week? BetMGM has reported a noteworthy drop in the MLB Win Totals for the team from 91.5 to 88.5 (from Opening to Current).

Key Free Agent Acquisitions

Have the injuries to the pitching roster, combined with the powerhouse that is the American League East, finally started to erode support for the team?

BetMGM has also noted significant declines in win totals for other teams, including the New York Yankees (from 93.5 to 90.5), Philadelphia Phillies (from 92.5 to 89.5), Milwaukee Brewers (from 87.5 to 84.5), and San Diego Padres (from 85.5 to 83.5).

However, the drop for the Blue Jays is particularly significant given their near success last season, culminating in a heartbreaking 5-4 defeat against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 of the World Series after an 11th-inning home run by Will Smith. They also made substantial off-season acquisitions, including starting pitcher Dylan Cease.

Pitching Injuries

For those who may have tuned out after the emotional World Series loss, the Blue Jays were among the busiest teams in free agency. Their off-season began with Cease’s seven-year, $210 million contract finalized in December.

Next, they acquired Japanese sensation Kazuma Okamoto, a third baseman/outfielder, with a four-year, $60 million deal after a stellar career in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball League, where he blasted 248 home runs. They also signed pitchers Tyler Rogers (three years, $37 million), Cody Ponce (three years, $30 million), and Max Scherzer (one-year, $3 million).

Starting pitcher Shane Bieber activated his $16 million player option in November, ensuring the Blue Jays had a formidable starting lineup – Bieber, Cease, Kevin Gausman, Ponce, Jose Berrios, Eric Lauer, and Troy Yesavage.

American League East Betting Odds

Then the injury bug struck – Bieber is dealing with forearm fatigue (currently throwing from flat ground), Yesavage has a shoulder impingement (set to start a minor league game), and Berrios is sidelined with a stress fracture in his elbow (no surgery required, but he will miss opening day and is expected to resume pitching soon). Outfielder Anthony Santander will be out for most of the regular season after undergoing shoulder surgery.

Notably, Bo Bichette (who’s signed with the New York Mets) and Chris Bassitt (who’s now with the Baltimore Orioles) departed as free agents.

BetMGM reported earlier today that the teams most favored to make the playoffs (by handle) are the Pittsburgh Pirates (+220), Detroit Tigers (-150), Kansas City Royals (+125), Atlanta Braves (-165), and of course, the Blue Jays (-190).

Season Kickoff vs A’s This Friday Night

According to Caesars Sportsbook, the AL East odds are: Yankees +180, Blue Jays +275, Boston Red Sox +325, Orioles +400, and Tampa Bay Rays +1800. While the Orioles have shown improvement, their starting pitching is in question after the loss of Corbin Burnes in free agency. They brought in Shane Baz via trade, signed Bassitt, and re-signed Zach Eflin, hoping for a full season from Kyle Bradish, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Andreas Gimenez is set to take over shortstop from Bichette, representing a defensive upgrade. The Blue Jays seem optimistic that Okamoto and a rejuvenated Daulton Varsho in center field will compensate for the offense lost due to Bichette’s exit. Nonetheless, there appears to be a palpable tension surrounding the Blue Jays.

“The most significant shift we’ve observed in the AL East has been regarding the Orioles,” explained Eric Biggio, Head of Baseball at Caesars Sportsbook. “Their win total has surged from an opening of 78.5 to 85.5, and their divisional odds have shifted from 8/1 to 4/1. Steady support has been recorded for the Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays, but the Orioles have definitely been the surprise team.

Missed Opportunity with Kyle Tucker

“Regarding the Blue Jays, I’m a fan of the Dylan Cease acquisition, as well as Kazuma Okamoto, who is very much in contention for Rookie of the Year at 6/1,” he added. “Regrettably, they missed out on Kyle Tucker, as I thought he would’ve been a great fit. Nevertheless, the lineup should still be strong.

“In general, the organization appears highly motivated, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see Toronto pursue additional talent as the season progresses. However, I am concerned about the injury issues – with Shane Bieber, Anthony Santander, and now Trey Yesavage sidelined for some time.”

Friday marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Blue Jays – with a first pitch scheduled for 7:07 p.m. at Rogers Centre against the Oakland A’s, featuring Kevin Gausman on the mound versus Luis Severino. The Yankees (-126 on DraftKings) will also open their season tonight, taking on the Giants (+104) in San Francisco.