BASEBALL: Blue Jays extend manager John Schneider, GM Ross Atkins

The Toronto Blue Jays rewarded their leadership following last year's World Series run by extending the contracts of manager John Schneider and general manager Ross Atkins on Monday.

Both were entering the final years of their deals. Schneider is now under contract through 2028, while Atkins’ deal runs through 2031.

"Schneids has been, and will continue to be, an exceptional leader and manager in professional baseball because of his unwavering commitment to players," Atkins said in a statement. "Schneids understands what it takes to build a winning environment and works tirelessly to create exactly that. His blend of emotional intelligence and deep baseball knowledge truly sets him apart."

Schneider, 46, worked his way up through the Blue Jays’ minor league system before taking over as the big-league manager in 2022, following Charlie Montoyo’s firing after a slow start.

He holds a 303-257 record at the helm, leading Toronto to three postseason appearances (2022, 2023, 2025) and one pennant. The Blue Jays fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games in the 2025 World Series after finishing the regular season 94-68 to claim the American League East title.

"I am ecstatic to continue leading the Blue Jays as we work to bring our incredible fans a championship team," Schneider said. "It’s been a privilege to be part of this organization for nearly 25 years, and the work the Blue Jays continue to do excites me every day."

Schneider finished second in 2025 American League Manager of the Year voting.

Atkins, 52, is the second-longest tenured general manager in Blue Jays history, holding the position since December 2015. The team reached the postseason five times under his leadership, although it also went through a rebuild in 2018 and 2019.

"Ross has done an outstanding job in building a deep foundation with an accomplished Baseball Operations team, best-in-class resources, and a collaborative culture," said Mark Shapiro, Toronto’s president and CEO. "I am a strong supporter of stability and continuity, and Ross continues to make us better."

The Blue Jays open the 2026 season Friday with a three-game home series against the Athletics.

—Field Level Media/Reuters