The Numbers Behind John Schneider's 1st Year As Blue Jays Manager

As of July 13th, 2023, John Schneider has been the manager of the Blue Jays for exactly one year.

The Toronto skipper took over from Charlie Montoyo halfway through the 2022 season, led the Jays to the postseason (and a quick exit), and the interim tag was removed a few weeks after the season.

Here are the numbers behind Schneider's first full year leading the Blue Jays:

96-69 Record

Schneider has been at the helm for 165 Jays games, winning 96. For a 162-game pace, that .581 win rate would equate to 94.25 wins. A 94-win season would be the fifth-most successful regular season in Toronto franchise history and the most wins since 1993. As I'm sure you're aware, Schneider's playoff record is 0-2.

7.2% Steal Rate

When Schneider first took over as Toronto manager last season, he preached aggression on the basepaths and it's shown. Under four seasons of Montoyo, the Jays attempted steals of second base on 5.1% of opportunities. Under Schneider that's jumped to 7.2%.

While that 7.2% mark ranks about league average, the Jays have been one of MLB's most aggressive teams when trying to steal third this season. Their 3.3% attempt rate is nearly double the league average, largely thanks to Whit Merrifield's eight swipes of third on 11 attempts.

0.32 Pinch Runners Per Game 

Going hand-in-hand with base-running aggression, Schneider's Jays use 30% more pinch runners than the league average. This may be more of a roster construction quirk, and less of Schneider's tactics, as the Jays over the last year have almost solely dedicated their 26th roster spot to a defensive replacement and pinch runner (Jackie Bradley Jr., Bradley Zimmer, Nathan Lukes, Ernie Clement).

34% Challenge Success Rate

Schneider's Jays are volume shooters when it comes to the challenges. They challenge about 30% more plays than the league average but hit on them at a 15% worse success rate than the 49% league average.

3 Ejections

Schneider had been in his share of umpire disputes as bench coach, but he's been formally tossed three times as manager. His first career ejection as skipper came on August 27th, arguing balls and strikes with umpire Shane Livensparger.

Schneider's three tosses position him 303rd all-time among managers. He's only 159 behind Bobby Cox for the historic lead.