Davis Schneider on Clubhouse Chemistry + What's Ahead in 2026

[music] Hello everyone, welcome back to another offseason edition of BlueJay's Talk on the SportsNet Radio Network show Ali with you. We are as of the time of recording "Berryed" in snow here in Toronto, but we are also just over two weeks away from pictures and characters reporting. I cannot wait and less than a month until spring training begins. It's just pretty crazy with bow off to Queens and Tucker off to LA. We'll see if the Jays are done adding, but we do still look ahead nonetheless to the spring, where position battles take place, and we'll do our bowl predictions, by the way, like we do most years. We can also, at this point, look ahead at what lies for specific players, including our guest today, David Schneider. I had the chance, very fortunate, to join Danieli Franceschi this week, my frequent battery mate on J-Sok Classic, as you know I like to say. We spoke to Davis about his offseason, looking back on the World Series, the chemistry in the clubhouse, and of course, the departure of Boba Shet amongst other things. So let's take a listen. Here's Davis Schneider from Tuesday afternoon. [music] Now into the win. Here's the first pitch of game five of the World Series, and it's hit high. Left field, indeed. Call back at the track. Leap set the wall, and that ball is gone. [cheering] A first pitch homer for Davis Schneider, and the Blue Jays take the lead in the first. Welcome to game five. Very excited to be joined by Davis Schneider, Blue J Second Basement, and outfielder. Davis, good afternoon. How's it going? Hey, hey, doing. What's going on? Well, having me. Well, our pleasure. We're doing well. First off, happy belated birthday. Yeah. Get up to anything special yesterday. How was the day? We did nothing. We got like 15 inches over the weekend. Couldn't really do anything outside or anything like that. Just had dinner, a good steak dinner, but sure about it. Okay, so you can relate. You're like us. You're out in the New York, New Jersey area, if I remember correctly. So I think you can definitely relate to the dumping of snow and the cold, cold temperatures that we've experienced here. How would you just explain or describe what the offseason has been like for you? Like coming on the heels of what was an epic run for this team all the way to game seven of the World Series, the immediate aftermath of it. I'm sure it was obviously heartbreaking, but what's this been like for you going through a shorter offseason and now getting prepped to get right back into it? Yeah, I mean, you always want to kind of want to be with the last teams playing. So you always expect going to each year trying to be, you know, having a shorter offseason. That's like kind of the always the goal. And you know, this is my first time kind of reaching, you know, deep into the playoffs. And it was kind of definitely a little bit weird going into the offseason. No one, you know, you only have like two, two and a half months to kind of get ready. So it wasn't really kind of any down time to kind of relax or anything. Like that, it was kind of straight back to it. And so, you know, but I'm definitely excited to get the spring training and see all the guys and, you know, you know, just be ready for the year. So, Davis, you have undoubtedly captured the attention of of JS fans around the country from the moment you were called up to play in Boston. I remember that. I'm sure you do. I don't think anyone is forgetting that anytime soon. I don't think anyone's going to ever forget your first pitch home run in Blake and get off of Blake's now on game five of the World Series just because we're a few months removed. And I've never gotten a chance to ask you, I'm curious how you remember that moment. And, you know, given his reaction, you'll forgive me if I ask how your dad remembers that moment as well. We have a bunch of videos that kind of, you know, make us remember it, but it was crazy. I mean, it's still kind of a blur to me. You know, as a kid, I always dreamed of, you know, getting to the world stories and in the home run and just getting that opportunity, just to lead off a game, you know, it was pretty cool, but, you know, it just all happened so fast. And obviously, you know, we don't want it a different outcome in game seven and game six, but, you know, it was definitely a cool experience just to share that with my family there out in LA. And, you know, planning against a daughter, especially, you know, the juggernaut that they are, it was kind of cool to beat them in game five and kind of, you know, but all game game seven with them. And, you know, it was definitely like I said, a cool experience just to share. And especially with the team we had to all the guys that were around or it was pretty special. Yeah, speaking of that camaraderie, Davis. So, you know, clearly, I think in addition to the winning, I think what really captured the the attention and the hearts and minds of people in this country is just how how genuine it looked like the group was as far as the connection you shared in that clubhouse. Was there was there a specific moment in the season where you thought, boy, just looking around and kind of even just the day-to-day interactions, you could feel like there was something special group brewing when it came to the overall, you know, camaraderie and chemistry in that room. Now, there wasn't one specific moment or, you know, day or game, but I feel like just from spring training on, I feel like just the guys that we had in that locker room just all got along with each other, you know, getting mild last year, you know, bringing, you know, signing Vladie was kind of like a thing that like everyone was kind of like, you know, happy for him. But, you know, all the guys in the clubhouse just wanted to win and be on the same page and go out there every day, get everything they have. And when you have all 26 guys, you know, given everything they have, it's easier to kind of get along with each other off the field and, you know, this city of Toronto, it's just one of a kind, and I know I can only speak for myself, but all the other guys can say the same thing that, you know, they love the city and they love going out. The fans are always awesome and every time we meet them outside the stadium and, you know, I just love kind of interacting with fans and, you know, the fans are what make this game great and, you know, Toronto fans are definitely one of the best. So I put it to them for sticking with us all year and, you know, hopefully we can run it back and give them, you know, a world series that you're about to. Yeah, Davis, I remember Denali and I do a lot of the, we can post games and I'll tell you what, man, we get a lot of the calls text about you and Ernie Clement and Miles Straugh and Nathan Lucas, guys that and again, the guys like, like, yeah, Barger, no question, like, it's certainly one of those phenomenons this past year where, you know, you certainly hear a lot about people like Vladimir Gerrard Jr and Kevin Gossman and so on, but I think you and Barger and Clement and all the guys who, I think, filled different roles on the team have, I think, really resonated with a lot of fans. I remember more than a few moments where players, including yourself, were, you know, taken out of the game late, maybe for a pinch hitter or defensive replacement or whatever and that dugout reaction, whatever that newly inserted player did something was pretty heartwarming for a lot of fans. It's just that for whatever reason seems to have resonated in 2025 and you've been on the team for a number of years now more than it did maybe in 2023 when you were first called up or 2024. It's interesting because I remember even when, when Alondra Kirk signed the extension right before the season started, he mentioned it at the beginning of the year. So it clearly was something and you mentioned spring training. It's clearly something that has resonated throughout the entire season right up until now, essentially. Yeah, 2023 and 2024. There was definitely, you know, a good group of guys that we have, but every year is a little bit different. I feel like last year and 25, everyone was just kind of pulling for each other. Everyone knew their role going into the year and when you know your role, you have no surprises when it comes to, you know, the game plan and everything like that. So everyone was just pulling for each other and, you know, I don't, I can't speak for every other team in the league, but I feel like the club that we had and the guys that we had around each other were, you know, the best in the league. So everyone was just pulling for each other. Wanted to win no matter how we got there. Who did it that night and it was a different guy each night and I feel like that's what makes the winning team as you can't just rely on, you know, one or two guys to kind of, you know, pull their load. You got to have, you know, all 26 kind of doing their part and we definitely had that last year and it was a special group. We're chatting with Blue Jay's second baseman and hope you feel their Davis Schneider, Daniela Franceschi Show Ali with you here on SportsNet 590, the fan. I'd be remiss. Davis, if I didn't ask about Boa, but shit, as we know, obviously Boa moving on will be joining the New York Mets in 2026. Have you thought about how it's going to feel when you walk into that clubhouse and you just, you don't see number 11, you don't see Boa around, you know, by all accounts, obviously a guy that was incredibly well respected, well like great teammate and obviously on the field, one of the best pure hitters in baseball. I mean, what is it? What's it going to be like not having Boa around in that clubhouse? Yeah, it's going to be weird for sure. Like you said, he's been one of the best hitters ever since he debuted in 19 and you know, not just having his bat in the lineup is going to be, you know, definitely hit on, you know, a guy that we had like him, but he was just a great guy to kind of have in the clubhouse and he always worked hard too. A lot of people don't realize, you know, how hard he worked. He was always in the cage, always working on a swing, always out on defense. So you always put in the work and that's why I really respect him is that like behind the scenes, he, there's a reason why he's so good. It's not just because of luck or, you know, talent. He puts in the work and he deserves everything he's gotten so far in his career and, you know, he's definitely going to be missed, but like I said, he definitely deserves the contract that he signed and, you know, hopefully, um, obviously we can beat them that's, but, you know, um, I wish both all the best and whatever he does in the future too. You know, for you on an individual level, like, what are some of the things that you're focusing on or you have focused on over the course of the offseason? And, and how do you approach a season? Are you somebody that is goal oriented? You sit down and say, okay, these are the things I kind of want to accomplish. This is, you know, am I shooting for a specific role? Like what, how do you, how do you sort of compartmentalize what your priorities are throughout the offseason and leading into a fresh season? Yeah, um, you know, going into, you know, it's my fourth year and, you know, my third spring training. So, um, they kind of have to just surround on like, you know, what to expect from spring training, everything like that and going into the air. But, um, I'm not really too much goal oriented, you know, each year is so different. And, um, I feel like just going each day by each day and not really kind of take it for granted and, you know, um, like I said, I, I want to set goals and everything like that. And I do set goals, but like when it comes to stats and, you know, personal ads and stuff like that, I feel like when I try to focus on that a little bit more, then that's when I kind of derail and kind of spiral downwards. So, I just try to get better each day. What do I need to work on, you know, um, to get better. And, you know, I know that's kind of tedious and you're kind of like, I want to say, but I really do believe in, you know, trying to get better each day and you can't really focus on, you know, what tomorrow brings. You've got to focus on, you know, the present day. And, um, hopefully I can do that this year a little bit better and kind of try to get better each day by go for four of the previous day. What do I need to kind of, you know, get better at my, with my swing or on defense and stuff like that. But, um, you know, I know the type of hitter I am and hopefully I can just polish up, you know, some stuff when it comes to, you know, my play discipline and stuff like that. So, um, but personal stats, that's really not to focus on that each year. Just go go in there and give everything I got and whatever happens happens. So, David, as we, we talk about development and priorities as your career progresses, very much looking forward to seeing what 2026 brings. Well, what can you tell us about John Schneider and his managerial style? And from what, from what I can tell from our vantage point here with the media, what you see is what you get with John, but I am curious how he's been for you and your development as a player dating back to 2023, which I guess in a way was a first for both of you, right? Like your MLB debut came that year and John had the interim tag removed from his title heading into that season as well. So, yeah, can you give us a peek into what it's like playing for John Schneider? He's been great. I mean, he's been my only big manager for, you know, almost three years. So, uh, he's great. He's a really good communicator. He knows what he's talking about. Um, and, you know, as a manager of a big market team, you get a lot of black for, you know, even some small stuff. And he takes it and tried to, he, he's really good on, you know, taking criticism and stuff like that. And, you know, he has a big heart and he cares for his players. And you want to play it for a manager like that. And I love playing for Schneider. And, I know a lot of the guys do as well. And, you know, he's just a regular dude too. A lot of baseball. And when you have a guy like that, you're playing for you. You just want to go out there and do everything you can to win for him and not just for him, but win for everyone in the clubhouse. And, but Schneider has been great. Um, smart baseball guy knows what he's doing. And then, hopefully, you know, we can win the last game of the year for him this year. Davis, before we let you go and you've been very generous with your time for us, I promise you, you don't have to elaborate on this question if you don't want to. But can you explain this whole nasty soup thing? And sportsnet.cays, Christine Rutherford, for people who are not aware, wrote a piece in early September on it, where Miles Strong coined this term, who are on quote, nasty soup at a pretty gay meal of yours. I believe Dalton Varsha also expressed his displeasure of these pre-game meals. So can you explain to the listeners what nasty soup is and why your pre-game meals in particular are apparently so unique? Yeah, I mean, there's like two things I eat a lot that everyone kind of hates in the clubhouse. And it started kind of started last year with Danny Jansen. I would always eat tuna, like kind of like next to him while we were either like, you know, watching your playing cards in the clubhouse and you would hate it. And then I would do that this year as well. And Miles would catch on and, you know, kind of hate me for it. And then I would eat like this. I would say like milk/ fruity pebble/ like, you know, chocolate/strawberries. And I put everything into it that kind of makes it like a little soup. But I loved it with yogurt in it too as well. So like, Miles has a, you know, he's kind of a little overboard when it comes to kind of his palate. But it was just something I eat and, you know, everyone kind of laughed at it and, you know, hated it whenever I walked into the clubhouse. I like four o'clock after we got done BP. Everyone kind of knew I was coming and they kind of got away from me a little bit. But it was just funny to kind of see everyone kind of make fun of me and stuff like that. And I love kind of messing with people and they love messing with me. So I feel like we have a good group when it comes to guys messing with each other. And Miles is a little bit, you know, he has a strong nose. So he kind of notices it as soon as I walk into the clubhouse. He's policing all the dietary habits of the folks in the clubhouse. That's what he's up to. He's just, I mean, he drinks diet soda or soda and like he has no room to talk. So I don't want to hear nice. Nicely done. Oh, last one for you, Davidson. In fact, are we going to hear more ping-pony club again as the walk-up song or are we changing it up? I think we got to stick with it. I mean, yeah, the world series using it for the first time too. So I feel like we got to stick with it. And the fans love it too. So as long as the fans like it and they enjoy it, I see no reason to change it. There we go. Okay. We'll be looking forward to hearing ping-pony club ring out at Roger Center. Not too long from now, just a couple months time, hopefully. And then the season will be off and running. Davis, we appreciate you taking time today. Thank you so much for doing it. We wish you the best of luck the rest of the off season and certainly going into spring training. Thank you so much, man. Of course, appreciate it. Thank you. Thanks again to Davis. This is just my read on him from that short conversation. But honestly, he seems like a very genuine and nice person. So here's hoping for a big year for the babe when the season returns. Thanks to you guys for being with us. Of course, if you're here in Toronto, like I am, hopefully you've taken a break from Shubbling Snow. If you're elsewhere, then I am jealous of you. But as always, we'll be back with more of these short little episodes. If any news breaks, either myself, Blair Barker, Blake certainly as well. You heard him earlier with Barker. I was spring training begins and we'll also get back to taking your calls and texts on regular basis. But until then, stay warm, everyone. You've been listening to J-Stock on the SportsNet Radio Network. I'm Shoah Ali. We'll talk to you later.