Copyright Athlon Sports
The Toronto Blue Jays’ dream season ended in heartbreak on Saturday night, falling 5-4 to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 of the World Series at Rogers Centre. Toronto held a late 4-3 lead before Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas tied the game with a solo home run in the ninth. In extra innings, Los Angeles’ catcher Will Smith delivered the decisive blow with a go-ahead blast, sealing the Dodgers’ second straight championship and denying the Blue Jays their first World Series title in 32 years. Despite the loss, the 2025 campaign was one of the most successful in franchise history, marked by resurgent performances from designated hitter George Springer and shortstop Bo Bichette along with a deep postseason run. The Blue Jays will remain competitive for years to come and will have another shot at a championship in 2026. That success was reflected in manager John Schneider’s nomination as a finalist for American League Manager of the Year, announced Monday by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA). Schneider was selected alongside Dan Wilson of the Seattle Mariners and Stephen Vogt of the Cleveland Guardians. The Blue Jays acknowledged the honor on X. “Our Leader. Our Skipper. John Schneider is a Finalist for AL Manager of the Year!” the team wrote. Schneider guided Toronto to a 94–68 record and an AL East division title, just one season after finishing in last place. He led the team past the New York Yankees in the ALDS and the Mariners in the ALCS, sending the Blue Jays to the World Series with a mix of aggressive decision-making and steady leadership. This marked Schneider’s third full season as manager. He originally took over as interim skipper on July 13, 2022, following a midseason dismissal of Charlie Montoyo, and was officially named full-time manager on October 21 of that year. Schneider’s growth as a leader has mirrored the team’s rise. Under his guidance, the Blue Jays have developed a strong clubhouse culture and a more balanced roster, blending veteran experience with emerging talent. His ability to manage high-pressure moments and adapt throughout the season earned praise from players and analysts alike. As Toronto looks ahead to 2026, Schneider remains a central figure in the organization’s pursuit of its first championship since 1993, with expectations higher than ever.
