Schneider has emotional message for fans, but will he return?

It was a simple but emotional statement. Manager John Schneider was asked if he had a message for Toronto Blue Jays fans following the team's heartbreaking loss in the 2025 World Series.

When asked by Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Schneider started by saying "to the fans I say, thank you" for the incredible support. He hoped the postseason run would still hold memories for generations of Blue Jays fans.

"They latched on to this group and hung on every pitch, just like we did," Schneider said. "To the fans, I say thank you. To the fans, I say I'm sorry ... Thank you for the support, and we hope we set a higher expectation and a higher standard here going forward."

Blue Jays manager thanks fans, apologizes for World Series loss as he faces contract situation

Schneider's statement was interesting. Not just because he thanked fans for their support — which came from both those at Rogers Centre and those watching on TV — but because Schneider mentioned raising expectations. That part of Schneider's message and this season's World Series appearance come at an interesting time for him personally, too. Schneider's contract is up, although there is a team option for 2026.

Since the Blue Jays' previous American League Championship Series appearance in 2016, it has been a rough ride for the team. Needless to say, expectations for the team have been low.

That rough ride included three straight losing seasons before a surprise playoff appearance in the shortened season of 2020. But that season ended with a two-game, first-round sweep by the Tampa Bay Rays. Then, the Blue Jays went 91-71 in 2021, but missed the playoffs by a game.

Schneider signed a three-year deal in October 2022, after taking over for the fired Charlie Montoyo a few months earlier. Schneider started 2022 as a bench coach before his promotion, and he ended up guiding the Blue Jays to a 46-28 record that year. Overall, Toronto went 92-70 and won the top wild card spot, but was swept in two games by the Seattle Mariners in the Wild Card Series.

In his first full season as skipper in 2023, Schneider managed the Blue Jays to an 89-73 record, good for the third wild card spot in the American League playoffs. But, Toronto was swept again in the Wild Card Series, this time by the Minnesota Twins, who hadn't won a playoff game since 2004. Schneider was criticized for his early removal of Jose Berrios in the fourth inning of Game 2, a move the Schneider later admits haunted him for a while.

Then came the difficult season of 2024. Toronto finished 74-88 and dead last in the AL East, 20 games out of first place. Coming into 2025, the Blue Jays were not in a good place, and almost no one thought a trip to the World Series was possible.

But changes were made, on the coaching staff and in the team's offensive approach. The Blue Jays created a team identity that involved great defense and putting the ball into play. Toronto became known for being a relentless team, one that could beat you in a number of ways. Changes like that tend to raise expectations.

Numerous reports and interviews have suggested the Blue Jays clubhouse was a tight group. Schneider himself told Rosenthal this edition of the Blue Jays was a likable group. He has also said repeatedly his managing style has evolved to being a little looser and trusting his guys, instead of just following analytics. That includes learning from some of the veterans as well.

Schneider has been with the Blue Jays organization since he was drafted as a catcher in 2002. He was the 2018 Eastern League Manager of the Year, the same year he guided Toronto's Double-A affiliate New Hampshire Fisher Cats to the league title. So, having experience with success and failure, it's safe to say Schneider probably can tell when expectations are raised. Which makes his recent message to fans relevant.

There's little reason to doubt the Blue Jays won't offer an extension to Schneider, or at least pick up the option. But, you never know. One thing is for certain, fan support and expectations are now higher than they've been in years. The right manager for Toronto will have to be aware of that.