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4 takeaways from the Blue Jays’ Opening Weekend

Originally posted on Bluejaysnation | By Ben Wrixon | Last updated Mar 30, 2026 1:29 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays are back like they never left.

Canada’s team defeated the Athletics 5-2 on Sunday afternoon to complete a three-game sweep, starting a season 3-0 for just the third time in franchise history. The Rogers Centre was electric as the defending American League champions opened what should be an exciting season.

Here are four takeaways from opening weekend:

This team still doesn’t quit

The Blue Jays won Friday and Saturday’s games in walk-off fashion, with Andrés Giménez and Ernie Clement playing hero, respectively. Game 1 saw the team rally in the bottom of the ninth after a blown save in the top half of the inning. Clement’s knock in the eleventh inning of Game 2 capped a late comeback that took contributions from everyone.

Last year’s squad was beloved for its never-say-die attitude, and the 2026 team doesn’t appear to have lost that mindset. Expect plenty more gritty wins going forward.

The new guys made good first impressions

Hello, nice to meet you! Dylan Cease set a Blue Jays record with 12 strikeouts in his debut on Saturday. Kazuma Okamoto collected four hits over the weekend—including his first home run—while looking comfortable at third base. Tyler Rogers pitched two scoreless appearances. Jesús Sánchez obliterated a two-run home run.

While it’s far too early to draw any serious conclusions, everyone the Blue Jays brought in this offseason made a positive impact over the weekend. It’s safe to say the new guys got the memo about only having one chance to make a good first impression.

Welcome to Toronto, Jesus Sanchez!

Sportsnet | #Bluejays pic.twitter.com/YOedbmTnNp

— Blue Jays Nation (@thejaysnation) March 29, 2026

The bullpen still has some question marks

Jeff Hoffman earned some eyerolls when he blew his first save opportunity of the season on Friday night. He rebounded with a better performance in Sunday’s win, but the conversation has already started about whether or not he’s reliable enough to be this team’s closer.

Brendon Little, meanwhile, got roughed up in his lone appearance on Saturday after an impressive spring training. He looked an awful lot like the shaky reliever who fell out of the circle of trust down the stretch despite his new-and-improved fastball.

Kevin Gausman is an all-time great Blue Jay

It’s time to give Gausman his flowers before it’s too late. The 35-year-old dominated in his long-overdue first Opening Day start as a Blue Jay, striking out 11 Athletics batters while allowing just one earned run over six innings pitched.

Few pitchers in the franchise’s 50-year history have been more consistent than Gausman has been since joining the team ahead of the 2022 season. The front office should be working hard to extend him, given he’s already expressed interest in re-signing.

This article first appeared on Bluejaysnation and was syndicated with permission.

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