John Schneider talks Wladimir Guerrero Jr. after Beau Bichette move

The Toronto Blue Jays will look to complete their trip to the World Series in 2026 after coming so close but finishing so far in 2025. However, their revenge tour will have to take place without Beau Bichet, who now with the New York Mets after signing a three-year, $126 million contract with the team.

Bichet was sidelined for the early part of the Blue Jays’ playoff run before making his mark during the World Series. The star of the show was the man who gave the Blue Jays the lead in Game 7 World Series, although it wasn’t a lead they could protect until the very end. And now, the Blue Jays are hoping the addition of Kazuma Okamoto will help cover the loss of Bichet.

However, the Blue Jays still have their biggest star on the roster Vladimir Guerrero Jr.., filled in by the manager John Schneider with so a lot of trust.

“In my opinion, Vladdi was always a guy the whole time he was here. When he showed up, it was him, Bo (Bichet), Cavan (Bigho), the sons of big leaguers. When every guy leaves, it’s great that Vladi was the one who’s here, the one we’re building around,” said Schneider, for Sport Daniele Franceschi.

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

Did Bo Bichette’s departure put additional pressure on Wladimir Guerrero Jr. to be “the guy” in Toronto?#BlueJays skipper John Schneider: “In my opinion, Vladdi has always been the guy… If anything, it probably allows Vladdi to be louder and more free.” pic.twitter.com/C7iAPkiIPh

— Daniele Franceschi (@Daniele_Media) February 17, 2026

The Blue Jays are gearing up for a revenge tour

There was a time when it looked like the Blue Jays weren’t going to raise the money needed to keep Guerrero long-term. Eventually they did: they signed him to a 14-year, $500 million contract that should make him a lifetime member of the franchise unless the relationship between the two sides completely deteriorates.

For now, what Guerrero and the Blue Jays will aim for is revenge, preferably against the Los Angeles Dodgers, after losing a golden chance to win the 2025 World Series title.