The Toronto Blue Jays had a memorable 2025 season, reaching the World Series for the first time in more than three decades. While the roster was loaded with talent, it cannot be overlooked how strong manager John Schneider was throughout the run.
He pushed every right button in October and was just as sharp during the regular season, guiding Toronto to the top seed in the American League and finishing as the runner‑up for AL Manager of the Year.
Schneider built a strong clubhouse culture, leaned on a well‑constructed coaching staff and consistently brought out the best in his players.
Schneider has managed the Blue Jays since being promoted from bench coach to interim manager during the 2022 season, when he led the team to a 46‑28 finish to end the season. He later signed a three‑year deal with a club option for 2026, which Toronto picked up this offseason.
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Now, however, Schneider’s contract is set to expire at the end of this year, and naturally questions have surfaced about when an extension will get done to keep him in place long‑term.
The pressure around those negotiations only increased this week after news broke that Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy, who led his club to the most wins in baseball last season, received a new three‑year contract worth $8.95 million.
Murphy’s deal places him among the highest‑paid managers in MLB, and it immediately set a new benchmark. With that precedent established, and with Schneider proving he belongs in the same tier, the Blue Jays now face a decision on whether they are willing to pay him accordingly.
On Friday at spring training, Schneider spoke with reporters and confirmed that “negotiations are still ongoing” between the two sides (h/t Hazel Mae of Sportsnet Canada).
On the heels of Brewers' manager Pat Murphy's extension (and pay raise), John Schneider told @ShiDavidi and me that "negotiations are still ongoing" on a new contract.
Schneider is entering the final year of his current deal.— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) February 20, 2026
The decision is significant because Schneider has become one of the most respected managers in the league, and losing him would disrupt the stability, culture and continuity that helped Toronto reach the World Series. His value extends beyond wins and losses, shaping the identity of the entire organization.
As the Blue Jays begin their push for another deep postseason run, securing Schneider’s future would remove a major distraction and reinforce the foundation of a team built to contend again.
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