If you walked into a bar in downtown Toronto or a BBQ joint in Kansas City and mentioned the 1985 ALCS, you’d probably get two very different reactions. In Canada, it’s the "one that got away." In Missouri, it’s the start of a legend. Honestly, it’s weird how these two teams, separated by over a thousand miles and a national border, keep finding ways to ruin each other's lives.
Take last September, for instance.
On September 19, 2025, the Kansas City Royals didn’t just beat the Toronto Blue Jays. They basically dismantled them. We’re talking about a franchise-record 27 hits in a single game. The final score was a staggering 20-1. It was the kind of game where you start feeling bad for the outfielder who has to keep chasing balls into the gap. That win broke a record held by the White Sox for nearly 70 years for the largest hit differential in a game. The Royals out-hit Toronto by 24.
Think about that.
Why the 1985 and 2015 Scars Still Itch
Most people think of rivalries as being about geography—Yankees vs. Red Sox, Dodgers vs. Giants. But the Royals vs Blue Jays dynamic is built entirely on postseason trauma. In 1985, the Jays had a 3-1 lead in the ALCS. They were dominant. They had Dave Stieb and a lineup that looked unstoppable. Then, George Brett happened. The Royals stormed back to win three straight and headed to the World Series.
Fast forward 30 years to 2015.
It was like a mirror image. The Blue Jays, led by the bat-flipping, high-intensity Jose Bautista, were the heavy favorites. Kansas City was the scrappy, high-contact team that wouldn't die. In Game 6, Bautista hit two home runs—one of them a legendary two-run shot in the eighth to tie it. For a second, it felt like Toronto was finally going to exorcise the ghosts of '85.
Then came the bottom of the eighth. Lorenzo Cain walked. Eric Hosmer hit a single to right. And Cain—who was running on the pitch—didn't stop at third. He rounded the bag like his life depended on it and slid home to give the Royals a 4-3 lead. That run sent Kansas City to the World Series. It left Toronto fans staring at their TVs in disbelief. Again.
The New Era: 2026 and Beyond
So, where are we now? If you're looking at the 2026 schedule, mark your calendars for late August and early September. The Blue Jays host the Royals at the Rogers Centre starting August 25, 2026. Then, the scene shifts to the fountains of Kauffman Stadium on September 4. These games aren't just mid-season fillers.
Toronto has been aggressive. They recently dropped $60 million on Kazuma Okamoto to shore up third base. With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. still anchoring that lineup, they have the kind of power that keeps pitchers awake at night. On the flip side, the Royals are leaning into their "Small Ball 2.0" identity. Bobby Witt Jr. has become arguably the most exciting player in baseball, combining speed with a power stroke that most shortstops can only dream of.
Vinnie Pasquantino—or "Pasquatch" as the fans call him—remains the emotional heartbeat of that KC clubhouse. He’s the guy who delivers the game-tying singles in the 8th inning when everything feels lost.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often assume the Blue Jays are just "the Canadian team" and the Royals are "the small market team." That's a lazy take. The Blue Jays' front office is one of the most analytics-heavy groups in the league, while Kansas City has a knack for finding "grit" players like Michael Massey or Salvador Perez who perform way above their scouting reports when the lights are brightest.
Also, can we talk about the stadiums?
- Rogers Centre: It’s loud. It’s corporate but electric when the roof is open and Vladdy is at the plate.
- Kauffman Stadium: It’s one of the most beautiful parks in the world, but the air is different there. It’s a pitcher’s park until it isn't.
One thing that's often overlooked is the bullpen management in this matchup. In that 2025 blowout, the Jays ended up putting position player Taylor Heineman on the mound just to save their relievers' arms. It was embarrassing, sure. But it’s also a reminder of how quickly a game can spiral when these two offenses start clicking.
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Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re watching the Royals vs Blue Jays series this year, keep an eye on the following factors to see who actually has the edge:
- Hit Differential: As shown in their record-breaking 2025 meeting, the Royals are a momentum team. If they get 3+ hits in the first two innings, the floodgates usually open.
- The "Witt Factor": Bobby Witt Jr. changes the geometry of the field. Watch how Toronto's pitchers approach him with runners on base; they'd often rather walk him than let him ignite a rally.
- Third Base Stability: With the Okamoto signing, Toronto finally has a defensive anchor at the hot corner. See if he can handle the high-contact spray hitting that KC is known for.
- The Rogers Centre Effect: Toronto plays significantly better at home in late-season series. If the August games go to the Jays, expect a dogfight when they travel to Kansas City in September.
This isn't just another series on the MLB calendar. It’s a rivalry built on forty years of heartbreak and high-stakes baseball. Whether it's a 20-run blowout or a 2-1 pitching duel, there's always a bit of extra "stink" on the ball when these two teams meet.
Check the pitching matchups at least 48 hours before the September 4th game in KC. The Royals' rotation, featuring guys like Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo, has shown they can stifle high-power lineups, but they’ll need every bit of that command to keep Guerrero Jr. and Okamoto in the park.