John Schneider Shuts Down Bo Bichette Pressure Talk on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Change is loud. Especially when a franchise cornerstone walks out the door. However, inside the Toronto clubhouse, the message is calm and crystal clear. When Bo Bichette, whom Steven Cohen chose over Kyle Tucker, bolted for Queens on a three-year, $126M deal with the Mets, the outside noise got predictable.
More pressure on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.? More weight on the $500M man? The narrative wrote itself. Only, Blue Jays manager John Schneider isn’t buying it. Speaking to reporters at 2026 Spring Training, Schneider shut down the pressure talk fast. To him, the 26-year-old’s role hasn’t changed, but is simply evolving.
“In my opinion, Vladdy’s always been the guy… If anything, it probably allows Vlad to have a louder voice and be more free.”
Does Bo Bichette's departure place added pressure on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to be "the guy" in Toronto?#BlueJays skipper John Schneider: "In my opinion, Vladdy's always been the guy… If anything, it probably allows Vlad to have a louder voice and be more free." pic.twitter.com/C7yAPxyYPh
— Daniele Franceschi (@Daniele_Media) February 17, 2026
Guerrero signed a 14-year, $500M extension in early 2025. He’s already the franchise pillar. Schneider framed Bo Bichette’s exit not as a void, but as a lane clearing. For years, the duo shared the spotlight. Now, Guerrero owns it fully. And the skipper made it clear the team isn’t clinging to its 2025 American League title.
The Dominican-Canadian star embraced the shift, saying leadership starts with being a great teammate. Bo Bichette, meanwhile, begins his Mets chapter at third base after reassessing his health late last season.
After Bo Bichette’s Exit, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Leads as Kazuma Okamoto Headlines the Blue Jays’ 2026 Reset
Bichette is gone. The reset didn’t take long. Toronto came out swinging for 2026, headlined by Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto on a four-year, $60M deal. The former Yomiuri Giants masher brings three home run crowns and serious pop. He’s penciled in at third, sliding Addison Barger to right.
Even in an injury-shortened final NPB season, Okamoto raked – .327/.416/.598 with 15 bombs in 69 games. $5 million bonus. $15M AAV through 2029. Clean business.
The front office didn’t stop there. Dylan Cease landed on a seven-year, $210M pact to anchor the rotation. Tyler Rogers adds late-inning funk on a three-year, $37M deal. Cody Ponce brings swing depth at $30M over three years. Jesús Sánchez arrives via Houston trade.
Lineup’s built around Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Springer leads off at DH. Barger is on the right. Vlad at first. Varsho, Kirk, and Santander follow. Okamoto slots seventh. Clement at second. Giménez at short. As for Bo Bichette, he will surely be missed.
John Schneider Shuts Down Bo Bichette Pressure Talk on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
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