Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider came in second in the American League manager of the year voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, with Cleveland’s Stephen Vogt taking the top spot. Schneider led the Blue Jays to a successful 94-win season and clinched the American League East Division title. He received 10 first-place votes out of 30 and accumulated a total of 91 points in the voting results announced on Tuesday.
Vogt, who guided the Guardians to victory in the AL Central, secured 17 first-place votes and 113 points. The Seattle Mariners’ Dan Wilson was the other finalist, earning two first-place votes and 50 points. This marks the second consecutive year that Vogt has claimed the honor, while Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy also retained the National League award.
Under Schneider’s leadership, the Blue Jays significantly improved, winning 20 more games this season compared to their last-place finish in 2024. The team advanced through two playoff rounds before ultimately falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.
The voting took place before the start of the post-season, and Schneider’s second-place finish marks the highest ranking for a Toronto manager since Cito Gaston in 1989. Schneider, who took over as the Blue Jays manager in July 2022 following Charlie Montoyo, recently had his contract extended through the 2026 season.
General manager Ross Atkins commended Schneider’s leadership, expressing pride in working alongside him and highlighting his exceptional managerial skills. Schneider, a 45-year-old from Princeton, N.J., played a pivotal role in guiding the Blue Jays to the playoffs and securing the East title in a competitive season where they triumphed over the New York Yankees in the AL Division Series and the Mariners in the AL Championship Series.
Having been with the Toronto franchise for over two decades, Schneider’s journey from a player drafted by the Blue Jays in 2002 to his current role as the team’s 14th manager showcases his dedication and expertise. His promotion through the minor-league system and subsequent success culminating in the recent achievements with the Blue Jays underscore his contribution to the team’s growth and success.