Blue Jays' struggles with RISP get even worse with tough loss to Cubs

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Blue Jays' struggles with RISP get even worse with tough loss to Cubs

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Aug 6, 2026 11:05 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays' hopes of making the postseason are fading. Coincidently, their lingering struggles with runners in scoring position (RISP) have turned into a nightmare.

Despite their misfortunes this season, they sit only 3.5 games out of the final wild-card spot. But that speaks more to the mediocre play in the AL than their performance. Fans thought their offense hit rock bottom in the beginning of July, but their inconsistencies have continued in August.

While they recorded 11 hits against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, they went 1-for-19 with RISP for the first time in franchise history. Leaving base runners stranded has been an ongoing issue this season. Considering they didn't acquire any assets to improve their offense, it paints a bleak picture for what's to come for the remainder of the season.

Despite another stellar outing from Dylan Cease — who delivered seven scoreless innings while striking out 10 and only giving up two hits and one walk — it ended in a 3-2 loss in extra innings.

Blue Jays go for 1-for-19 with runners in scoring position for the first time in franchise history
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) August 6, 2026

Blue Jays' offensive woes continue to haunt them

The Blue Jays rank near the bottom of the league in essential clutch-hitting metrics, such as OPS, batting average and producing with two-outs, which has been a major contributor to their offensive slump. It has made fans wonder what has gone wrong with their approach.

Toronto ranks near the bottom of MLB with an OPS of .706 with RISP, and it has gone from a clutch hitting team in 2025 to ranking dead last with 451 runs scored this season. The Blue Jays' offensive spark has also vanished as they rank near the bottom (24) with a .242 batting average with RISP this season.

They also went from ranking first in MLB with a .265 batting average with two outs with RISP in 2025 to failing to provide key clutch-hits in high-leverage opportunities this season.

Their regression from star players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been a huge downfall for the team. Guerrero has gone from a major power bat and significant run-producer to a player who looks lost at the plate and has failed to rediscover his power. This season, Guerrero has six home runs and has yet to hit a home run at the Rogers Centre.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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