Ever since Davis Schneider’s spectacular 35-game debut in 2023, he has been a fan favourite that Blue Jays fans have come to appreciate. Sure, it also helps that his trademark mustache and goggles make for a unique look that adds to his likability.

Now heading into his fourth season, it remains to be seen where he fits onto a Blue Jays team that looks to run it back to the World Series in 2026.

The 2023 campaign was certainly a magical one for Schneider, who worked his way up the minor league ladder in relative obscurity before debuting in August of that year. He racked up nine hits in his first three games – including two homers – introducing himself to Jays fans in a huge way.

He failed to replicate that sample size success in a full-time role in 2024, slashing .191/.282/.343 across 135 games. He was more effective in his shift to a part-time role in 2025, managing a .234/.361/.436 slash line in 82 games, contributing in left field as well as second base.

Schneider had his signature moment in the playoffs, hitting a leadoff home run against the Dodgers’ Blake Snell to help the Blue Jays win game five of the World Series. Throughout the playoffs, Schneider platooned with Nathan Lukes in left field, with four of his five starts coming against left-handers.

After coming within a win of a World Series title, the Blue Jays are poised to enter the 2026 season with their best opening day roster in years. Despite a solid season, it remains to be seen what kind of role Schneider will settle into.

It is doubtful that the Jays would be looking at giving the New Jersey native a full-time spot, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see him start 60 or so games again, as he did in 2025. Of course, his role will be dictated by what free agents may be brought into town over the coming months.

Despite the right-handed hitting Schneider getting the starts against southpaws in the postseason, hitting lefties hasn’t necessarily been a strength of his in his career. He was actually much more effective against righties in 2025, posting a .915 OPS in 99 plate appearances compared to .708 against lefties in 128 PA. His career numbers are closer (.743 OPS vs RHP, .725 vs LHP), but it nonetheless becomes clear that Schneider isn’t an ideal player to simply deploy against lefthanders exclusively.

There’s a chance that the Blue Jays prefer a bench player who is more defensive-minded or one who could be used as a pinch-running option. It’s too early to say what the bench may look like, but the spring training numbers game could also mean that he’s a trade candidate before the season starts.

Schneider’s biggest strength is the patient approach that allowed him to walk at a whopping 15.9% clip in 2025. He would be a great candidate to fill in for an injury and start for a stretch of games at some point during the upcoming season. However, without a starter going down with an injury, playing time may be a bit more erratic for him.

The most likely scenario for Schneider is for him to be a bat-first utility player for the Blue Jays in 2026, filling in at second base and in left field while getting into 70-80 games again.

Despite his average speed and defensive ability, his on-base skills make him a tough at bat at the plate and a player who could produce if given consistent playing time.

Another factor that could be in his favour is how much the Blue Jays value their team chemistry. Schneider is a guy who seems to fit in well with some key guys on the team, and could be an ideal clubhouse guy to have moving forward. One way or another, there’s a good chance that he contributes to another winning season for Toronto in 2026.

Take $20 off your first Vivid Seats order of $200+ using promo code JAYSNATION (new customers only, $200 USD minimum before taxes & fees)