Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s 14-year, $500 million extension solidifies the Blue Jays’ long-term core and removes a cloud that hung over the season, catalyzing a playoff push. Guerrero blossomed into a fifth All-Star season (.292, 23 HR in 156 games) as Toronto surged from 74 wins in 2024 to the AL East title and a deep postseason run.

Powered by a resurgent Springer and Bichette and a deep supporting cast, the deal unlocked a breakout postseason that began with a solo shot in ALDS Game 1 and culminated in a memorable performance in the ALCS. The contract frames Toronto’s next two decades as a deliberate, sustained contender rather than a short-lived window.

The Dodgers have unlocked a relentless, bottom-up offensive surge that has become the postseason’s secret weapon. While Ohtani, Betts and Freeman were kept in check, Teoscar Hernández, Kiké Hernández, Andy Pages and Tommy Edman unleashed seven hits, three runs and three RBIs to fuel a 5-1 NLCS Game 2 win over Milwaukee. The depth—six through nine—has a playoff-best 35 hits and 14 RBIs across eight games, while Yamamoto’s complete game provides a pivotal pitching edge. Two more wins at home could seal a World Series return.

New York City’s last championship across the four major leagues happened 5,001 days ago, crowned by the Giants’ 2011 miracle over the Patriots. The piece catalogs near-misses by every borough team—Giants, Jets, Yankees, Mets, Knicks, Nets, Rangers, Islanders—and notes how Dodgers and Blue Jays have prevented a NYC title in recent years. The street of memory grows longer as each franchise limps toward the next hopeful season, leaving fans waiting for a return to glory.

The piece models the city’s title drought as a shared narrative across NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL, highlighting 2022 Giants misadventure, 2024-25 conference finals runs, and 2025 World Series losses. With day 5,001 looming, fantasy players should watch for organizational pivots, depth chart shifts, and the players most likely to spark a revival in the next cycle.