What’s wrong with the Blue Jays? If you have the same question in your mind, then you’re not alone because we’re all on the same page. Just after a winning campaign for the entire season, the Blue Jays are choking, and it couldn’t get any worse than this? Just when the Jays are all set to be the AL East champion and enter the playoffs, the Royals are making sure it gets delayed. So, what’s next?

Well, the Blue Jays’ slump is far from over, dropping their fourth straight game since that 2-1 loss to the Rays on September 17. And over these games, they’ve been outscored 28-3, really highlighting just how badly they need a boost on offense. Now, amid this chaos, the team’s veteran outfielder George Springer opened up about what it means for the Blue Jays. And we’re sure you would be surprised to know what the team is thinking.

“Our team understands who we are. We understand who we are offensively. Obviously, this is not the best stretch at the best time, but it doesn’t matter. Everything is still right in front of us.” Blue Jays insider Keegan Matheson cited Springer after their latest loss against the Royals.

While Springer is right that this isn’t the best stretch for the team, what he said at the end is catching all the eyeballs.

Springer clearly is trying to keep things in perspective, acknowledging the team’s offensive struggles but insisting that the Blue Jays’ identity is still intact. But honestly, can we really say everything’s under control? After this Royals series, it’s hard to turn our faces away from the issues. Currently, the Jays are standing with an 89-66 record, and still maintain the pole position in the division. But they’re now within the reach of the Yankees.

If you remember, just a few weeks ago, the Blue Jays were six games ahead, and now it feels like an almost unreal downfall. And to make matters worse, the Yankees are beating the Orioles, which could hand the division over to them.

Now let’s take a look at the Jays’ struggling offense, you’ll see there’s plenty more to worry about.

The Blue Jays’ offense is what’s making things worse

Just when we tried to check the reasons behind the Blue Jays’ downfall, we found the answer lies in their offense. Notably, the absence of Bo Bichette is glaring. Reportedly, he’s still rehabbing a left knee sprain and hoping to be back in time for a potential ALDS. And then there’s Anthony Santander, who offers the unexpected boost. He could return as soon as Tuesday after nearly four months on the IL. Till then, it’s the same script the team has been reading from the last few games.

For instance, before Saturday’s game, the Jays’ 26 wRC+ since Monday was the worst in the league, and Saturday didn’t show much improvement. Daulton Varsho’s solo homer in the seventh was the team’s only spark on Saturday. So, while the bullpen has been improving, none of it matters if the offense can’t deliver.

Since Monday, the Blue Jays have had more than five hits in only one game (Tuesday). The last four games have all ended with four hits or fewer, which explains their four-game losing streak, the longest since late April. Springer’s words now should reverberate within the hearts of the Jays. It was a slump, but hopefully things will look up soon. Guess we’ll find out on the final game with the Royals right in front of them, does the slump continue? Or will they be back to their winning ways?