John Schneider agrees to 3-year deal to remain Blue Jays manager

The Toronto Blue Jays and manager John Schneider have agreed to terms on a three-year contract with a team option for the 2026 season, the club announced Friday.

Schneider guided the Blue Jays to a 46-28 record after being promoted to interim skipper on July 13 following the departure of manager Charlie Montoyo.

The Blue Jays reached the playoffs but were swept in the wild-card series by the Seattle Mariners.

Schneider, a 42-year-old native of Princeton, N.J., is the 14th manager in franchise history.

"I am honoured, excited, and deeply humbled to continue leading this extraordinary group of players, coaches, and staff," he said in a news release. "This organization has made me feel at home since Day 1. So many people have had a hand in helping me get here, and becoming manager of the Blue Jays is not something I take lightly.

Schneider and general manager Ross Atkins were scheduled to attend a media availability later in the day at Rogers Centre.

"Through his exceptional preparation, communication, positive energy, and relationships within the clubhouse, John demonstrated to us that he was the right leader for this team," Atkins said. "His passion for the game, commitment to the job, and impact in the dugout have been driving forces behind our success.

"We look forward to working together and coming back as a stronger team for the 2023 season."

After a mediocre first half, Toronto won 13 of 16 games once Schneider moved from bench coach to manager. A so-so August was followed by an 18-10 September surge that essentially sealed a playoff spot.

The .622 winning percentage is the highest ever by a Toronto skipper — with a minimum of 10 games managed — in his first season at the helm.

As the top wild-card seed, Toronto