MLB September Predictions: Blue Jays Surge, PCA Chases 40/40
With under four weeks until the postseason, the Blue Jays have become one of baseball's hottest teams and sit just 1.5 games out of a wild-card spot. Pete Crow-Armstrong is on pace to potentially reach 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases, while other storylines include Shohei Ohtani's possible return to pitching and Yordan Alvarez's Triple Crown bid. The article also forecasts which teams will secure the final playoff berths.
The Blue Jays' late surge has been fueled by unexpected contributors, with Brett Bateman providing a steady bat since arriving via the Kevin Gausman trade and George Springer catching fire over the past two weeks. Their remaining schedule offers a genuine opportunity, as 21 consecutive games against sub-.500 opponents follows a pivotal three-game set in Cleveland.
Pete Crow-Armstrong's power surge has been remarkable, with 12 home runs in his last 22 hits since mid-August. His 38 homers and 32 steals put him on track for the 40/40 club, a feat achieved by only six players previously. Meanwhile, Yordan Alvarez's Triple Crown pursuit and Ohtani's delayed pitching return add further intrigue to the final weeks.
This story may shape how fans and analysts evaluate the 2026 season's closing narrative, particularly around individual milestones like the 40/40 club and the Triple Crown, which historically capture broader public attention beyond die-hard baseball audiences. The Blue Jays' playoff push could also influence regional economic activity through ticket sales and viewership, while the MVP race between Crow-Armstrong and Ohtani may drive national conversation about what defines value in the modern game.