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Historical context behind Blue Jays’ wild-card push in weak American League

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It’s never been easier to make the post-season in the American League, and the Toronto Blue Jays are trying to take advantage.

If the MLB season ended today, a team with a losing record (the Baltimore Orioles) would make the playoffs for the first time in a full-length campaign. The third wild-card spot is also projected to go to a below-.500 club. The lowest win total to ever earn an AL wild-card berth was the 85-win Minnesota Twins in 2017. That will probably change this year.

Meanwhile, the Blue Jays have won 12 of their last 18 games. They climbed from five games back in the AL wild-card race to only 0.5 back over that span. Toronto was able to leap four teams in the standings last week with seven days of good baseball, going 5-2 against the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.

Its FanGraphs playoff odds were a season-low 4.3 per cent on Aug. 6, and have since climbed to 17 per cent.

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After Monday’s games, there are now five teams tied with 61 wins vying for the last spot.

Bearing in mind the Blue Jays’ weak strength of schedule after this week’s gauntlet (road series against the Tampa Bay Rays and Yankees), and the abundance of games they have against the logjam of teams also competing for the third wild card, they have a realistic shot at pulling off an improbable rally.

Let’s put the Blue Jays’ unprecedented playoff push in context by comparing it to past seasons.

Worst records to earn post-season berths

The wild card, as we know it, has only been around since 1995, the first season after the infamous 1994 MLB strike. It started with a single wild-card spot being awarded to the best non-division winner and was expanded to a two-team format in 2012. The modern, 12-team format, with three additional playoff spots in each league, started in 2022.

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Still, even with more teams being granted passage to October, no AL club has secured a playoff spot with a worse record than the 2017 Twins (85-77). The Rays snuck in with 86 wins in 2022, and the Detroit Tigers nabbed the final spot the last two years with 86 and 87 wins, respectively.

Historically, it’s been easier to obtain a playoff spot in the National League. The 1997 Houston Astros and 2008 Los Angeles Dodgers won their divisions with 84-78 records. The Miami Marlins and Arizona Diamondbacks earned the last two wild-card spots with the same record in 2023, and Arizona made it to the World Series. The St. Louis Cardinals won the Fall Classic in 2006 after going 83-78.

The two worst post-season records of all time: the 2025 Reds at 83-79 and the 2005 Padres, who won the NL West at 82-80.

For the Blue Jays to equal the worst-ever AL wild-card team with 85 wins, they would need to go 24-12 over their remaining 36 games. That’s a .666 win percentage that would be better than any team in MLB this year — or a 108-win pace over the course of a full season. The Texas Rangers, Orioles and Tigers would need to go 24-13 (.648 winning percentage), all of which seems improbable, meaning the last AL wild-card will likely see a new all-time low this year.

The American League as a whole has struggled, with a .486 winning percentage, the lowest it’s been since interleague play was introduced in 1997.

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When it comes to recent history, the two best comparisons for the Blue Jays’ position in the standings are the 2015 and 2021 editions of the team.

That seems counterintuitive because those two clubs could not be more different stylistically than this year. Both boasted lineups chock-full of power and led MLB in home runs. They also both had large positive run differentials that implied they were better than their records indicated midway through the season. This year, the Blue Jays are 29th in home runs and have a negative-57 run differential.

In 2015, the Blue Jays were two games back of the wild card at the start of August and were one game above .500. But they won 11 straight games between Aug. 2-13 and eventually surged to a division title.

The more recent 2021 team might be a better comparison. They were further back than the ’26 Blue Jays on the same date, four games out of the final wild-card spot. Toronto was 63-55 at that point in 2021, but the AL was far stronger. They finished with a 28-16 record (.636 winning percentage) down the stretch, but ultimately missed the playoffs by one game when Rafael Devers broke their hearts on the final day of the season. Given the 2026 Blue Jays’ standing and the trajectory of their season, they could be in for a photo finish.

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Largest wild-card comebacks

There are many examples of extraordinary late-season surges to secure playoff spots. Two came in each of the last two seasons, as the Cleveland Guardians overcame a 10-game deficit in the division to catch the Tigers, and Detroit went on its own 11-2 heater to surmount a 3.5-game hole the year before.

The 2021 Cardinals also erased a three-game wild-card deficit with a franchise-record 17-game winning streak, culminating in a post-season clinching win on Sept. 28.

And in the pre-wild-card era, eight teams came back from down at least four games with 16 or fewer games to play to seize a post-season spot. The oldest and most famous example is the 1951 New York Giants, who rallied from four games back in the standings with only seven remaining to catch the Brooklyn Dodgers, winning 13 of their last 14, capped by Bobby Thomson’s walk-off homer known as the “shot heard ’round the world.”

These steep climbs make the one the Blue Jays are facing look mild. However, completing any comeback will require some heroics.

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The Vikings News in 3 Quick Updates

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Feb 27, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NFL Network media insider reporter Tom Pelissero (right) shakes hands with Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot during the NFL Scouting Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.

Vikings news hasn’t been in short supply.

Recently, a lot of the chatter has been around the performance from DT Caleb Banks. Much has been written about the brutal news surrounding Jamal Adams and the broader roster shuffling. Check out some more quick-hitter updates to ensure you’re up to speed.

3 Vikings News Updates

Vikings News Update No. 1 — FA Pass Rusher Going, Going, Gone

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Von Miller. © Chris Pedota / USA TODAY NETWORK.

Some believe that Minnesota needs an assassin-for-hire at edge rusher. Von Miller may have helped but is now gone.

Adam Schefter’s update: “ESPN source: Eight-time Pro-Bowl LB Von Miller is expected to sign with the Dallas Cowboys. Miller is from Texas, went to Texas A&M, and now is headed to play for the Dallas Cowboys.”

Over the Cap explains that the cap charge is coming in at $5.5 million. Jadeveon Clowney went for the same number, thereby establishing a pretty solid going rate for the next accomplished veteran pass rusher.

Vikings News Update No. 2 — Former Viking Works NFC North Bingo Card

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Marcus Davenport
Oct 1, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) is hurried by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Marcus Davenport (0) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports.

Marcus Davenport was a Viking for a single season. He then went to the Lions. He’s now going to the Bears.

Jordan Schultz offers the news: “Sources: The #Bears are signing DL Marcus Davenport, per sources. Davenport, the former 1st-round pick, has previously played for Dennis Allen when he was in New Orleans.”

More background courtesy of Matt Zenitz of CBS: “Former first-round pick with 43 career starts, 165 career tackles and 25 career sacks. Was a starter for the Lions last year.”

Talent has never been the problem. Rather, his health has held him back. Wish him well.

Vikings News Update No. 3 — Eh, Good for You, Mr. Pelissero

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Tom Pelissero reports from the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center.
NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero appears on site during media coverage at the NFL Scouting Combine inside the Indiana Convention Center, Feb. 25, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Pelissero reported on league developments as executives, coaches, and scouts gathered to evaluate prospects and shape offseason decisions ahead of free agency and the draft. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

Losing Tom Pelissero was always going to be for the short-term since he’s good at his job. Still, it was bad news that was bad for Vikings football.

He’s now back in action, putting in work for Netflix: “Tom Pelissero is joining Netflix Gameday as a sideline reporter and NFL insider for the full slate of games this season, starting with 49ers vs. Rams in Week 1 from Melbourne.”

He’ll then be doing work for The Ringer. In a perfect world, Pelissero keeps the national headlines nourished with Vikings insight.


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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

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Mets’ Caron Benge makes historic assists against Padres

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New York Mets rookie outfielder Carson Benge had the Citi Field faithful on their feet early in their Monday night matchup against the San Diego Padres.

The Padres had runners on second and first in the first inning with Ty France at the plate. France lobbed one to right-center field when Benge fielded the ball and saw that Jake Cronenworth was headed home.

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Carson Benge fields a ball in right field during the first inning.

New York Mets right fielder Carson Benge fields a ball in right field during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Citi Field in New York City on Aug. 17, 2026. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Benge gathered himself and fired the ball home and was able to get Cronenworth with ease. Benge wasn’t there.

Jackson Merrill also hit a sharp one to Benge. The outfielder gathered his momentum and fired the ball to home plate once again – this time, he got Manny Machado trying to test his arm. Benge was responsible for two of the first three Padres outs.

Statisticians Sarah Langs and Jason Bernard noted the historical nature of Benge’s outfield assists. Benge threw the ball to the plate at 99.9 mph and 103.9 mph on the two outs respectively. He became the first outfielder with two assists of at least 99 mph in the Statcast era (since 2015).

“I just looked up and threw the ball. I’m not worried that they are running or not,” Benge said after the game, via MLB.com. “I try to throw as hard as I can to be able to make them stop or get them out. … I feel like anytime anyone makes a good throw to end an inning or have a quicker out, it shifts the momentum in our favor.”

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Jorge Polanco and Carson Benge celebrate after the Mets defeat the Nationals at Citi Field.

New York Mets designated hitter Jorge Polanco celebrates with right fielder Carson Benge after defeating the Washington Nationals at Citi Field on Aug. 16, 2026. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

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The Mets also got a defensive assist from rookie left fielder A.J. Ewing. In the second inning, the Padres tested Ewing’s arm. Cronenworth found a hole through the third baseman and the shortstop when Xander Bogaerts tried to scamper home.

However, Ewing was shallow enough in left field and took care of Bogaerts.

The Padres were only able to score one run in the entire game thanks to the Mets’ dazzling defensive plays. New York won the game, 2-1.

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A.J. Ewing reacts after being tagged out at second base during a baseball game.

New York Mets’ A.J. Ewing reacts after being tagged out at second base during the third inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)

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Mets starter Nolan McLean struck out three in six innings of work.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Matt Hardy says pro wrestling success requires living the lifestyle

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Matt Hardy has been in pro wrestling for nearly 35 years, and when young talent who are trying to make it in the sport ask for his advice, they’ll usually listen.

Hardy shared the advice he tells others in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. He said those who are trying to make it big have to live the lifestyle of a professional wrestler.

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Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy celebrate during NXT in Cincinnati.

Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy celebrate during “NXT” at Andrew J. Brady Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Feb. 25, 2025. (WWE via Getty Images)

“The main piece of advice I always share with people, if you really want to make a career out of wrestling, you have to make it a lifestyle,” he said. “You have to do something every single day that kind of will help assist your journey and in your whole goal of being a pro wrestler.

“You have to exercise a certain way, try and eat a certain way, try and sleep a certain way, get in the habit of working out, get in the habit of knowing everyone and everything that’s going on at every promotion because you never know where you’ll get an opportunity.”

Pro wrestling promotions, especially the ones featuring former stars from WWE, All Elite Wrestling and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), sometimes have scouts watching closely. Being able to be on your game is crucial.

Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy sitting in the audience at MetLife Stadium.

Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy sit in the audience during SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Aug. 3, 2025. (Rich Freeda/WWE)

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“And that’s what’s key because timing is everything in pro wrestling,” Hardy explained. “You never know, you might get an opportunity to go somewhere at a promotion you’re not familiar with, and if you don’t know, then maybe they feel disrespected and they’re not as interested in you. But you just need to be as much on the pulse of pro wrestling as you possibly can be and make it a lifestyle.”

The current TNA star also added that buying into your own character is another part that a pro wrestler should focus on.

“And authenticity is real important, too,” he told Fox News Digital. “If you can find something that you’re doing as a character, as a performer, which seems authentic, which seems something that is relatable to you, you feel comfortable doing, that’ll usually come off the best.”

Matt Hardy participates in the U.S. vs. Canada Border Brawl in Niagara Falls Ontario

Matt Hardy participates in the U.S. vs. Canada Border Brawl in Niagara Falls, Ontario, on May 25, 2025. (Robert Okine/Getty Images for Zone-ify)

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Hardy, and his brother Jeff, will defend the TNA World Tag Team Championship at Lockdown on Sunday against Nic and Ryan Nemeth. The pay-per-view will take place at the Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago. Each match will be inside a steel cage.

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“We understand that he’s not in the right condition to play”

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Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has delivered his verdict on the status of Barcelona target Julian Alvarez ahead of their LaLiga opener. The Spanish outfit are set to take on Malaga in their first game of the 2026-27 season on Wednesday evening.

Simeone spoke to reporters ahead of the game, and the name of Julian Alvarez came up as his has been a major saga all summer. The Argentine tactician ruled the striker out of the game against the newly-promoted side, pointing out that he is not in the right condition to feature in the game.

“If the club owner has spoken so categorically, then there’s nothing more to say”.

“It’s like when you go to court, that’s it, there’s nothing more to it. We’re looking after both the person and the player, and we understand that he is not in the right condition to play in this match”, he said.

Julian Alvarez has had interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid this summer, and issued a public plea to Atletico Madrid during the FIFA World Cup, asking for a transfer. Los Colchoneros have refused to let him join their rivals unless his €500 million release clause is met, despite receiving offers worth between €100-150 million.

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Barcelona are without a recognised senior striker in their squad and are waiting in the hopes of finding a way to sign the 26-year-old, but that is unlikely to happen. In the meantime, he will likely remain an Atletico Madrid player beyond this summer, despite his unwillingness to stay there.

Alvarez did not play in any of their pre-season games this summer, partly because of his country reaching the FIFA World Cup final. His case may be revisited in the January transfer window, and he could leave Madrid by then.

Former Atletico Madrid star lands in Barcelona to complete transfer

Former Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodri has arrived in Barcelona to complete his move from Manchester City. The 30-year-old was spotted at the airport after his arrival as he is set to join Hansi Flick’s squad for the 2026-27 season.

Manchester City and Barcelona were locked in lengthy negotiations for the transfer of the Spain international before an agreement was reached. The Spanish champions will pay an initial €60 million, with add-ons potentially taking the deal to around €76 million.

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It has been decided that Rodri will have the number 16 shirt at the Spotify Camp Nou, continuing his tradition from his previous teams. Fermin Lopez, who previously had the number, will now take the number seven shirt vacated by Ferran Torres.