Blue Jays manager John Schneider sets the expectations for his club in 2026

The 49th season in franchise history will go down as one of the more legendary seasons for the Toronto Blue Jays. Fans will forever reminisce (or try to forget) the Blue Jays' magical run to their third Fall Classic, even if it fell a few outs short of a World Series title.

Last year was a fairy tale that fans would've loved to see end on the best note. However, those keywords "last year" could not ring more true, and manager John Schneider wanted to make sure that it's all hands on deck for 2026.

John Schneider sets the expectations for his club in 2026

On the day that the full Blue Jays squad reported to Spring Training, Schneider rounded up the troops inside their locker room at their training complex in Dunedin and imparted upon them a strong message for the upcoming year.

"Thinking about last year, there is no better feeling than doing what we did, accomplishing what we accomplished, and being an eyelash short multiple times, right?" said Schneider to open his speech. "What made us get there? How do we get back there?"

"It's going to be a little bit of a target on our back. To steal a line from George [Springer]: 'Once you hang a banner, you're hanging a bullseye.' In the present, I want you to think about how we got there." Schneider also emphasized some key aspects for his players to focus on throughout the year.

"Being obsessed with being a great teammate. being obsessed with getting better, being obsessed with winning, and being obsessed at understand what you're good at. That's it. If we can focus on that and not divert back to [2025], I think we're going to be right where we need to be."

It's really easy to focus on the what-ifs from 2025, as many fans continue to sit on what would've been if scenarios like the infamous ball in the wall or Isiah Kiner-Falefa had a bigger lead off third base. However, continuing to ponder those thoughts would most likely eat you alive, and that's something Schneider clearly wants to avoid with this year's group.

Plus, the skipper also has reasons to move on from 2025. Let's not forget that it was only a year ago that there were assumptions that Schneider was on the hot seat going into the season and wondering if he'd lead the team beyond 2025. Now, with his 2026 option picked up by the front office, it's clear Schneider is the man for the job, and is ready for another shot at the World Series in 2026.