Blue Jays Manager Embraces Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as 'The Guy' After Bo Bichette's Departure

John Schneider believes Guerrero will have a 'louder voice' and be 'more free' as the face of the franchise.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Toronto Blue Jays will be without star shortstop Bo Bichette in 2026 after he signed a three-year, $126 million deal with the New York Mets. However, manager John Schneider is confident that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will step up as the team's new leader, saying Guerrero has 'always been the guy' and that his departure will allow Guerrero to have a 'louder voice' and be 'more free'.

Why it matters

The Blue Jays are looking to bounce back from a tough World Series loss in 2025 and Guerrero's emergence as the clear face of the franchise could be crucial to their chances of winning a championship in 2026.

The details

Bichette was a key contributor for the Blue Jays in their 2025 playoff run, but his departure to the Mets leaves a void that the team hopes can be filled by Guerrero. Schneider believes Guerrero, who the Blue Jays signed to a 14-year, $500 million contract, is ready to take on an even bigger leadership role.

  • The Blue Jays lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2025 World Series.
  • Bichette signed a three-year, $126 million deal with the New York Mets in 2026.
  • Guerrero signed a 14-year, $500 million contract to remain with the Blue Jays.

The players

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

The star first baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays, who the team has committed to long-term with a 14-year, $500 million contract.

Bo Bichette

The former star shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays, who signed a three-year, $126 million deal with the New York Mets in 2026.

John Schneider

The manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, who is confident that Guerrero will step up as the new leader of the team.

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What they’re saying

“In my opinion, Vladdy's always been the guy in his whole time here. When he came up, it was him, Bo [Bichette], Cavan [Biggio], the sons of the big leaguers. When each guy kind of departs, it's cool that Vlad has been the one that's here, the one we're building around.”

— John Schneider, Manager, Toronto Blue Jays (Sportsnet)

“If anything, it probably allows Vlad to have a louder voice. I think it allows him to be more free.”

— John Schneider, Manager, Toronto Blue Jays (Sportsnet)

What’s next

The Blue Jays will look to Guerrero to lead them on a 'revenge tour' in 2026 after their tough World Series loss in 2025, with the goal of finally winning their first championship since 1993.

The takeaway

Guerrero's emergence as the clear face of the Blue Jays franchise could be a crucial factor in the team's quest to win a World Series title in 2026, as they look to bounce back from their narrow defeat in the 2025 Fall Classic.