TORONTO - Whether it was at the draft, the trade deadline, or during free agency, Ross Atkins has always emphasized the importance of values during his decade as general manager of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Every time there was a potential addition to the team, Atkins never failed to mention their "high character."

He believes that policy has paid off in 2025, with the Blue Jays reaching the World Series for the first time in 32 years in large part thanks to their cohesiveness and dedication to each other.

"I've always been taught and learned and believed strongly that hiring and identification of — whether it be players, coaches, scouts, anyone that's helping support the organization — that hiring's the most important thing we do," said Atkins during a news conference on Friday before Gam

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