If you’ve ever wondered how many Canadian teams are in Major League Baseball (MLB), the answer is just one — the Toronto Blue Jays. While baseball is often considered America’s pastime, Canada has played an important role in MLB history, producing great players and passionate fans who proudly support their lone franchise.
The Only Canadian MLB Team: Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are the only active MLB team based in Canada. They were founded in 1977 as part of the American League expansion and have been a staple of Canadian sports ever since.
- Team name: Toronto Blue Jays
- Founded: 1977
- League: American League (AL)
- Division: AL East
- Home stadium: Rogers Centre (formerly SkyDome)
- Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The Blue Jays quickly became competitive, winning back-to-back World Series championships in 1992 and 1993, led by legends like Joe Carter, Roberto Alomar, and John Olerud. Their 1993 title remains the most recent World Series win by a team outside the United States.
The Blue Jays’ Home: Rogers Centre
Located in downtown Toronto, Rogers Centre is one of the most recognizable stadiums in Major League Baseball. It was the first stadium with a fully retractable roof, allowing games to be played rain or shine.
With a capacity of around 49,000 fans, it offers one of the best atmospheres in baseball — especially during late-season playoff pushes when the entire country rallies behind “Canada’s team.”
Canada’s Baseball History in MLB
Canada hasn’t always had just one MLB team. There was once another — the Montreal Expos, founded in 1969 as MLB’s first non-U.S. franchise.
- Montreal Expos (1969–2004) – Based in Montreal, Quebec, the Expos were beloved for decades, developing stars like Gary Carter, Andre Dawson, and Vladimir Guerrero.
- After years of declining attendance and financial struggles, the team relocated to Washington, D.C., in 2005, becoming the Washington Nationals.
Since the Expos’ departure, the Toronto Blue Jays have represented the entire nation of Canada in Major League Baseball.
The Blue Jays’ Role in Canadian Sports Culture
The Blue Jays hold a special place in Canadian sports.
- They are the only MLB team with a nationwide fanbase, as they represent an entire country rather than just one city.
- Their games are broadcast across Canada, and they have strong fan followings in provinces like Alberta, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia.
- Every home game day at Rogers Centre feels like a celebration of Canadian pride — complete with fans waving the maple leaf flag and singing both national anthems.
Fun Facts About MLB in Canada
- The Blue Jays are the only team outside the U.S. currently in MLB.
- Montreal’s Olympic Stadium still occasionally hosts exhibition games, keeping baseball culture alive in Quebec.
- Canada has produced many MLB players, including Larry Walker, Joey Votto, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who currently stars for the Blue Jays.
- The team’s name, “Blue Jays,” was chosen from over 30,000 fan submissions during a 1970s naming contest.
Recent Success and Future Outlook
The modern Blue Jays boast one of MLB’s most exciting young rosters, led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Alek Manoah. They regularly contend in the tough AL East division against teams like the Yankees and Red Sox.
As the only Canadian MLB team, the Toronto Blue Jays carry not just Toronto’s hopes but those of an entire nation — making every postseason run feel like a countrywide event.
Conclusion
So, how many Canadian teams are in the MLB?
One — the Toronto Blue Jays.
While they’re the only team north of the border, their national reach and devoted fanbase make them one of baseball’s most unique and beloved franchises. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a casual observer, cheering for the Blue Jays means cheering for all of Canada.