When Shane Bieber, starting pitcher for Toronto Blue Jays steps onto the mound at Rogers Centre on Monday, the fate of the 2025 American League Championship Series hangs in the balance. The showdown, officially ALCS Game 7Toronto, will tip off at 8:08 p.m. ET on October 20, 2025, and will be aired live on FOX. The winner earns the league’s lone ticket to the World Series, and both clubs have already tasted the sting of a blown lead earlier in the postseason.
Game 7 Overview
After each team has won three of the first six contests, this final act is a pure winner‑takes‑all affair. Toronto entered the night with a modest 54% win probability according to FOX Sports, while Seattle lingered at 46%. The over/under sits at 7.5 runs, suggesting a tightly contested slugfest rather than a marathon. If the Blue Jays clinch, they will become the first Canadian franchise to reach the World Series since the 1992 Toronto team, a milestone that would electrify a nation still hungry for baseball glory.
Pitching Duel
On the mound for Toronto, Shane Bieber brings a 4‑2 record and a 3.57 ERA to the game. He averages 7.0 innings per start, a WHIP of 1.017 and 8.3 strikeouts per nine innings. Across the league, those metrics place him among the top five starters heading into October.
Seattle counters with right‑hander George Kirby, who logged a 10‑8 record and a 4.21 ERA over 23 starts. Kirby’s WHIP sits at 1.19, and he whips out 9.8 K/9, a notch higher than Bieber’s strikeout rate. Both pitchers thrive on the road, but the pressure of a Game 7 could tilt the scales.
"Both guys have been rock solid all season," noted former MLB pitcher Dave Wheeler, now an analyst for MLB Network. "The one thing I watch is composure. In a situation like this, a single mistake can decide the series."
Key Offensive Threats
Toronto’s lineup is anchored by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who posted a .292 average with 23 homers and 84 RBI over 156 games. His on‑base plus slugging (OPS) of .848 makes him the most feared bat in the AL this year. Next to him, George Springer is coming off a .307 average and a league‑leading .556 slugging percentage, having rattled 32 long balls.
Seattle counters with a historic power surge from Cal Raleigh. The catcher belted an astonishing 60 home runs, driving in 125 runs, and posted a .589 slugging percentage. Julio Rodríguez, a consistent .267 hitter with 32 homers, rounds out the Mariners’ top‑order threat.
"Raleigh’s power is the X‑factor," said Mariners manager Scott Servais. "If we can get early runs, we put pressure on Bieber and his bullpen."
How to Watch Live
Fans in the Greater Toronto Area can watch the drama unfold on the big screen at Rogers Centre—tickets are still on sale through Vivid Seats. For those who prefer to stay home, the game streams live on FuboTV and is also available via the FOX Sports app on most smart TVs, mobile devices, and streaming sticks.
- Broadcast TV: FOX (channel 12 in most markets)
- Streaming: FuboTV (all‑in package), FOX Sports app (requires cable login)
- Radio: Sportsnet 590 The Fan (Toronto), KJR 93.3 FM (Seattle)
- Social: Live updates on Twitter @MLB and @BlueJays
Late‑night viewers in the U.S. can catch the East Coast kickoff at 8:08 p.m. ET, which translates to 5:08 p.m. PT for West Coast fans. The game is expected to run about three hours, so plan your post‑game celebrations accordingly.
What the Experts Say
Beyond the raw numbers, several analysts have weighed in on the tactical battle. Mike Barrett, senior writer for The Athletic, argues that Toronto’s bullpen depth could be the decisive factor. "Bieber may go six innings, but the Blue Jays have three reliably low‑ER relievers," he wrote. "Seattle will need Kirby to go deep, and if he exits early, the Mariners’ back‑end could be exposed."
Seattle’s front office, meanwhile, has emphasized aggressive baserunning. "We love the speed of our guys like Julio and Polanco," Servais added during a pre‑game press conference. "If we can manufacture runs early, we take some pressure off the pitching staff."
Implications for the World Series
Should Toronto emerge victorious, they would earn a historic berth against the National League champion—likely the Los Angeles Dodgers, who clinched the NL pennant on October 14. A Blue Jays‑Dodgers World Series would revive the cross‑border rivalry that sparked the 1992 showdown, and the financial stakes are huge: MLB projects a $150 million boost in advertising revenue for the championship series.
Conversely, a Mariners win would mark Seattle’s first World Series appearance since 2001, a feat that would galvanize the Pacific Northwest’s baseball community. The city’s recent stadium renovations and surge in youth participation could see a lasting legacy, much like the Rockies’ 2007 run.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I watch Game 7 if I don’t have cable?
The game streams live on FuboTV and the FOX Sports app. Both services offer free trials, so you can watch the decider without a traditional cable subscription.
What time does the game start on the West Coast?
The kickoff is at 8:08 p.m. Eastern Time, which converts to 5:08 p.m. Pacific Time. If you’re in Seattle, you’ll see the first pitch just before rush‑hour traffic ends.
Will the game be available on radio?
Yes. Sportsnet 590 The Fan will carry live audio for the Toronto market, while Seattle listeners can tune into KJR 93.3 FM. Both stations also stream online.
What are the key match‑ups to watch?
The pitcher duel between Bieber and Kirby is the headline, but the battle between Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Cal Raleigh will likely decide who scores the first run. Also keep an eye on the bullpen matchup—Toronto’s trio of low‑ER relievers versus Seattle’s high‑strikeout closer.
What does the winner get besides a World Series berth?
Beyond the historic prestige, the champion earns a larger share of MLB’s postseason revenue—estimated at $35 million for the AL champ—plus a boost in franchise valuation and potential free‑agent leverage in the offseason.
