TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays have moved up the date to renew season ticket packages for next season to July 22, more than a month earlier than last year.
It’s a decision that falls in line with the club’s ongoing process to shift season ticket membership renewal earlier in the calendar, an effort which had been previously interrupted by the pandemic. However, some fans have expressed displeasure online with the move because it falls more than a week before MLB’s July 30 trade deadline.
On the social network Reddit, some fans voiced their dissatisfaction with the decision in a thread on the topic. On X, Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith pointed out the earlier date, noting that it forced fans to renew their tickets before the trade deadline plays out, which could have ramifications on the 2025 team depending on whether Toronto buys or sells.
Before Friday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians, the 33-35 Blue Jays were 3 1/2 games out of the final American League wild-card spot.
In a statement emailed to The Athletic, a spokesperson for the Blue Jays said, “We have introduced many new ticketing products over the past several seasons. With the renovations nearly complete, we are working to establish a regular renewal schedule for all products. This timing allows our valued full season ticket members to have the first chance to secure their seats for the next season, before selling and renewing other products.”
“The benefits of earlier renewal timing let members make their decision while they are experiencing their membership, raise feedback with their service executives, and opt into a fan-friendly payment plan over a longer period of time,” the statement continued. “Mid-season renewal timing is consistent across the league and other professional sports.”
With more than six weeks until July 30, the Blue Jays aren’t a clear seller or buyer but rather seen as a team that could go either way. Their play over the next month or so, when their schedule gets noticeably more challenging with series against the Guardians, Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, will likely have a hand in determining which route the front office will take at the deadline.
GO DEEPER
Blue Jays trade deadline primer: 3 early storylines to watch
If the club decides to sell, their pending free agents include left-handed starter Yusei Kikuchi, reliever Yimi García and designated hitter Justin Turner. Beyond the players set to become free agents, there will be speculation as to whether the Blue Jays will move stars Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, although general manager Ross Atkins said recently on MLB Network Radio that he doesn’t think it makes sense to trade either player and wants to sign both to long-term deals.
Guerrero and Bichette remain under team control through 2025 before they’re scheduled to become free agents after the season. Starters José Berríos, Chris Bassitt and Kevin Gausman remain under contract through 2025, too.
This Blue Jays season has been undoubtedly disappointing and fans haven’t been afraid to voice their displeasure with a team that ranks 27th in runs scored. On occasion, boos have been heard from fans at the Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays are averaging 32,418 fans per game this season, though attendance typically rises during the warmer summer months. The club averaged 37,307 fans per game last season.
(Photo of Rogers Centre: Mark Blinch / Getty Images)
