The Toronto Blue Jays won the American League last season, but failed to win the World Series. It was the team’s first World Series appearance since 1993, when they won their second straight championship.
The Blue Jays won the American League East for the first time since 2015 last season. It was manager John Schneider’s first time winning the division since he took over in 2022. The team’s 94-68 record was the best during his tenure. The Blue Jays picked up his option for 2026, but extension talks are “ongoing,” according to Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith.
Schneider turned the Blue Jays into a force to be reckoned with last season, and it is not surprising that the team wants him to continue managing. He was drafted by the team 23 years ago and has worked in the organization ever since. General manager Ross Atkins spoke on Schneider after the season ended.
“He and I are talking about the potential of that being longer,” Atkins said of Schneider’s 2026 option, per MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson. “Schneids has been unbelievable. He is a clear leader in this organization who is really, really good at his job and I’m very proud to be working with him.”
The Blue Jays will have high expectations going into next season, coming off a trip to the Fall Classic. Schneider will not have the legend Don Mattingly by his side next season either, perhaps putting more pressure on him. Mattingly has chosen to step away from the Blue Jays.
Schneider has helped the Blue Jays once again become contenders. Extending him could be a move that sets the team up for success for years to come.
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