The Toronto Blue Jays' performance in the first half of the season was disappointing to say the least. But they have a chance to salvage their season if numerous core players make comeback performances in the second half of the season. 

The Blue Jays entered the All-Star break falling into last place in the AL East but still remain 2.5 games out of a final wild-card spot. With the way the AL has been performing this season, the Blue Jays have a chance to be contenders but need resurgent performances. 

They have been forced to rely heavily on guys like Kazuma Okamoto and Ernie Clement to carry the load of the Blue Jays offense this season. Their 45-51 record this season, though, is a massive downturn from their 55-41 record at the All-Star break last season. 

In 2025, the Blue Jays were capable of clinching the AL East and made it to Game 7 of the World Series because they gained an offensive surge from the whole team paired with stability in the rotation. This season, the story has been flipped as their rotation has been their biggest weakness. 

Let's explore four players who would benefit from having a breakout performance in the second half of the season:

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Following his .397 batting average with an elite 1.289 OPS and eight home runs across 18 games in the postseason, his performance so far in 2026 has been a career-low in terms of power production. This season, he's batting .262 with only six home runs with a .703 OPS. 

But in his last seven games, Guerrero has homered twice, which could be a sign that his power is coming around. Guerrero is also notorious for heating up in the second half of the season, and if he can continue that trend, it will spruce up their offense, which is tied for 26th in MLB with 392 runs scored. 

Max Scherzer

It's been an injury-riddled season for Scherzer who is currently on the 15-day injury list with back spasms. The 41-year-old is expected to return to the Blue Jays rotation following the All-Star break. Scherzer has been on the IL twice this season and has struggled to provide stability with a 1-4 record and a 10.23 ERA across six games this season. 

But Scherzer is a veteran who has a competitive mentality and is determined to improve as a three-time Cy Young winner. If he's able to resurge and improve his performance,, this would help bolster the Blue Jays rotation, one that's continued to be a red flag that's and undergone durability issues. While Scherzer has also struggled with eating up innings, if he can remain healthy, he may be able to revive his performance. 

Daulton Varsho

While Varsho remains a solid defender for the Blue Jays outfield, his offensive output is not what's been expected for a player who is in his ''walk season.'' Varsho will become a free agent following this season but he's sported a .240 batting average with seven home runs and 24 RBI. 

Varsho is batting only .218 with 12 hits in 55 at-bats with runners in scoring position (RISP) this season, and he hasn't hit a home run since June 23. Varsho demonstrated more consistent power in April with four home runs, but he only homered once in May and twice in June. Varsho is known for his left-handed power and is capable of hitting 30 home runs, but injuries have kept him from achieving this.

George Springer

Springer was an unsung hero for the Blue Jays last season, known for his ALCS Game 7 go-ahead three-run home run and sporting his strongest tenure with the Blue Jays, recording a career-high .309 batting average and 32 home runs during the 2025 season. 

But so far this season, he's notched a poor .218 batting average with nine home runs and a .677 OPS.

The Blue Jays lineup has struggled to generate consistent power and runs, and Springer's inconsistent production has forced manager John Schneider to move himr down in the batting order. But if he can revitalize his offense, he could help the Blue Jays make a postseason push as a core veteran.