ALCS: Mariners vs Blue Jays Game 1 Odds, Analysis, & Picks

The American League Championship Series is set, with the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays going to battle in Game 1 on Sunday, October 12. The first pitch is scheduled for 7 pm ET at the Rogers Centre. Toronto took out the New York Yankees in the ALDS in just four games, while the M’s eliminated the Detroit Tigers on Friday evening, walking them off in Game 5 with a 15th inning RBI single from Jorge Polanco. Below, find the Mariners vs Blue Jays Game 1 picks.

Odds provided by Sports Interaction.

Mariners vs Blue Jays Game 1 Odds

The Blue Jays are a heavy -170 favorite for Game 1. The M’s, who just played a 15-inning marathon, return as a +140 underdog at MLB sportsbooks. The total is set at 7.5.

Toronto won the season series against the M’s, 4-2. But, their last meeting was way back in May.

Mariners vs Blue Jays Game 1 Analysis

For the first time since 2001, Seattle is in an ALCS, and it’s well deserved. The Mariners fought hard in the ALDS, taking down the Detroit Tigers in five games. Game 5 presented no shortage of challenges as they scored just one run off Tarik Skubal, who struck out 13 and allowed a mere two hits. But, the M’s never gave in, pushing the game to extra innings when Leo Rivas tied the contest at two in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Over five hours later, Polanco sent the Seattle faithful home with a huge smile when he smacked the game-winner to right field. The Mariners made a ton of moves at the trade deadline and they’ve seemingly paid off, with the ball club just four wins away from their first World Series appearance since the early 90s. But, Game 1 could be difficult in terms of pitching because they used a ton of arms on Friday, so it will be interesting to see who gets the call against the well-rested Blue Jays.

Toronto has looked like arguably the most electric offensive team in the postseason. They scored 37 runs in four games against the Yankees, putting up 23 runs through the first two games of that series at home. While their lineup is thriving as a whole, Vladimir Guerrero Jr has been the clear driving force. The slugger is batting .529 in the postseason with three home runs and nine RBIs. Vladdy destroyed the Yanks in the ALDS, and he’ll be looking to keep it rolling on Sunday evening at the Rogers Centre.

The Jays come in with a few days’ rest for the series opener, and they will send Kevin Gausman to the mound. He pitched well in the Division Series, going 1-0 with a 1.59 ERA. The right-hander tossed 5.2 innings, allowing just one earned run to New York. Gausman only made one appearance in 2025 against the Mariners, surrendering three earned runs in 5.2 frames. He also posted a 3.86 ERA at home this season.

Mariners vs Blue Jays Game 1 Picks

I do believe this will be an entertaining series. But, Seattle’s lack of arms for Game 1 gives the Blue Jays a clear advantage. I’ll take Toronto to take a 1-0 series lead on Sunday,.

Pick: Blue Jays -170/Sports Interaction