{
  "id": 11016219,
  "title": "Blue Jays GM Atkins says “everything needs to be assessed” after last-place finish",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/blue-jays-gm-atkins-says-everything-needs-to-be-assessed-after-last-11016219",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-30T15:44:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CityNews",
    "slug": "citynews",
    "url": "https://toronto.citynews.ca/2026/09/30/blue-jays-gm-atkins-says-everything-needs-to-be-assessed-after-last-place-finish/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins stated that \"everything needs to be assessed\" following the team's last-place finish in the American League East Division. Speaking at a media availability at Rogers Centre, Atkins emphasized that the club plans to \"drill down in every area.\" Team president Mark Shapiro was set to hold a separate press conference later that day.\n\nThe Blue Jays, who reached the World Series last season, failed to make the playoffs this year, finishing with an 79-83 record. Underperformance and injuries were major factors in their decline from first place last year. Key departures in the offseason included homegrown shortstop Bo Bichette, veteran starter Chris Bassitt, and bench coach Don Mattingly. Despite a brief surge at the trade deadline, the team struggled to maintain momentum, losing seven of their final nine games.\n\nVladimir Guerrero Jr., a crucial offensive player, struggled throughout the season, hitting just nine home runs. Injuries to several starting pitchers and a strong bullpen put additional pressure on the team. While Toronto ranked among the leaders in several offensive categories last year, they finished last in home runs, OPS, and slugging percentage this season. Defense also regressed compared to their stellar 2025 performance.\n\nHowever, there were some positive aspects to the season, with Dylan Cease becoming the team's ace and rookie Spencer Miles having a strong first year. Brett Bateman showed promise as a potential future center-fielder, and Louis Varland excelled in his role as closer. Kazuma Okamoto delivered a standout offensive season with 33 homers and 92 RBIs, marking the third time in seven years that Toronto missed the playoffs. Next year, the team will benefit from the return of key offensive players Anthony Santander and Addison Barger. The Blue Jays' payroll of approximately $275 million this season leaves some room for additional talent and pitching depth. The season opens on February 19, but the team's future may be affected by labor negotiations, with the collective bargaining agreement between MLB and its players set to expire on December 1.",
  "summary": "Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said “everything needs to be assessed” in the wake of the team’s performance this past season. Speaking at a season-ending media availability on Wednesday at Rogers Centre, he added that the club plans to “drill down in every area.” Team president Mark Shapiro was scheduled to hold his […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "CBC News",
        "title": "Blue Jays president, GM speak after end of disappointing season",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/blue-jays-president-gm-speak-after-end-of-disappointing-season",
        "published": "2026-09-30T15:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Blue Jays GM Atkins says “everything needs to be assessed” after last-place finish",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/blue-jays-gm-atkins-says-everything-needs-to-be-assessed-after-last",
        "published": "2026-09-30T15:12:55.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Global News",
        "title": "Blue Jays GM Atkins says ‘everything needs to be assessed’ after last-place finish",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/blue-jays-gm-atkins-says-everything-needs-to-be-assessed-after-last-10977322",
        "published": "2026-09-30T15:42:27.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Toronto Sun",
        "title": "Blue Jays brass looks to make amends for disappointing 2026, but won’t name scapegoats",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/blue-jays-brass-looks-to-make-amends-for-disappointing-2026-but-wont",
        "published": "2026-09-30T21:16:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}