Schneider’s Gamble Fails as Soto Delivers for Mets; Blue Jays Head Toward Roster Cuts and Salary Reductions
By Gregor Chisholm | Baseball Columnist
A bold in-game decision by Blue Jays manager John Schneider may have cost his team more than just Friday’s matchup against the Mets—it could be a sign of deeper issues brewing within the organization.
The Mets struck early, with Pete Alonso launching a two-run home run off Kevin Gausman in the first inning. While the Jays kept the game within reach for a few innings, a controversial managerial choice later on opened the floodgates. Juan Soto took full advantage, delivering an RBI double that helped the Mets extend their lead and seal a dominant 5-0 win at Citi Field.
It was a stinging moment for a Blue Jays franchise still smarting from missing out on Soto during the offseason—just one year after Shohei Ohtani turned them down and homered in his first visit to Toronto as a Dodger.
Alek Manoah (Starting Pitcher): Once viewed as a future ace, Manoah’s performance has declined due to injuries and inconsistency. The Blue Jays may explore trading him to reconfigure their starting rotation
George Springer (Outfielder): Despite his experience, Springer’s performance hasn’t matched his substantial contract. The Blue Jays might consider trading him, potentially attaching prospects to facilitate a deal.
Genesis Cabrera (Relief Pitcher): Cabrera’s inconsistent performances and upcoming arbitration eligibility make him a candidate for non-tendering as the team seeks bullpen improvements.
Tyler Heineman (Catcher): Primarily serving as a backup, Heineman’s limited offensive contributions may lead the Blue Jays to seek more robust options behind the plate.
These potential moves underscore the Blue Jays’ intent to restructure their roster, aiming for a more competitive stance in the upcoming season.
Now, with the team off to a shaky start, pressure is mounting. Sources suggest that the Blue Jays front office is preparing for potential roster changes, including the possibility of releasing underperforming players and reducing payroll to create room for future moves. Tough decisions are expected soon, as the front office evaluates which players can carry the team forward—and which might be on the chopping block.
The 2025 season is only just beginning, but Toronto may already be approaching a turning point.
The New York Mets got the spark they needed early on Friday night thanks to Pete Alonso’s two-run homer off Blue Jays ace Kevin Gausman in the opening inning—ultimately providing all the offense they would need in a 5-0 win.
While that early blast set the tone, a decision by Toronto manager John Schneider later in the game raised eyebrows and may have helped the Mets widen the gap in what had been a tight contest.
Last year, the Blue Jays famously missed out on Shohei Ohtani, who then returned to make a statement by homering in his first at-bat at Rogers Centre in a Dodgers uniform. This time around, Juan Soto found himself in a similar position against a team that had reportedly courted him as well.
Though Soto didn’t provide as flashy a moment as Ohtani did, his contributions were just as impactful—highlighted by a key RBI double that helped New York pull away. The game served as another reminder of what could’ve been for Toronto, and how quickly things can tilt with a single managerial choice.
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