Blue Jays secure playoff spot with 8-5 win against Royals

The Toronto Blue Jays officially clinched a playoff berth after defeating the Kansas City Royals 8-5 on Sunday.

It will be the first post-season appearance for the Jays (90-66) since 2023, when they were topped by the Minnesota Twins in the wild-card round.

Toronto entered the day needing a win or losses from the Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Guardians.

The Blue Jays also came into Sunday's contest with the best record in the American League.

However, Toronto only had a two-game edge on the New York Yankees for top spot in the AL East.

A division crown along with clinching the first or second seed in the AL would give the Blue Jays a bye through the wild-card round and home-field advantage in the AL Division Series.