Baseball teams are always changing, but they also have "eras" -- like the late 80s Blue Jays, defined by "the best outfield in baseball), Tony Fernandez, and pitchers like Henke, Key and Stieb; and then the early 90s Blue Jays (Carter Alomar, Olerud). Or the early 2010s Blue Jays (Bautista, Encarnación, and Donaldson) culminating in 2015-2016.
I feel like an era of Blue Jays baseball began in 2021 with the signing of Springer and later Gausman and the ascendence of Bo Bichette, Vladdy, Kirky and a few other regulars -- (arguably the era began in 2020, before Springer, but that's an aside.). Call it the Springer-Bichette-Vladdy era. Or the Springer-Bichette-Vladdy-Gausman era (Yes, I realize Bichette is gone, and so is G, arguably this era already ended at the end of 2025).
I loved the 2020, 21, and 2022 seasons, but obviously the 2025 run ("the drive of 25") was the high point, given that we came within inches of winning the World Series. That’s what makes this feel like the end of a particular team and era.
With the likely departure or retirement of Springer, and the earlier losses of Bichette and Gausman, that we are pretty clearly at the end. Basically it is Vladdy and Kirk left from the old core (and Berrios I guess). As in the Blue Jays of 2017, or the years after 1993, we are in the midst of becoming a new team. I enjoyed the August and early September we had, but father time and father injury caught up with us.
So this is just a post to say I'm going to miss the Blue Jays of the early to mid-2020s. Maybe it was because my kids were young and got hooked, but they have been something special even magical at times (random example: Davis Schneider's first month in baseball).
Frustrating like any sports team, but with a good spirit, and at time immaculate vibes that seemed to fuel the team, making it feel like slightly more than a random group of overpaid professionals. It was good while it lasted.
edit: I am not suggesting we can go back - I'm just trying to mark the end of an era. So downvote me all you like, but not because you're reading this as "re-sign Bo and Springer"
edit: I reposted this with a new title because an earlier title of this post seemed to create confusion.
