In a surprising move this offseason, former Toronto Blue Jays head coach John Gibbons has been named the new bench coach for the New York Mets. Gibbons, who managed the Blue Jays for parts of two separate stints (2004-2008 and 2013-2018), is no stranger to high-pressure situations in the Major Leagues.
His new role with the Mets marks a significant shift in his career, bringing his experience and leadership skills to a new organization in the National League.
Gibbons’ decision to join the Mets comes at an interesting time, as the team is in the midst of a major rebuilding phase, after a roller-coaster performance last season. The Mets, with a roster full of high-caliber talent, are aiming to return to their playoff-contending status, and Gibbons’ experience with handling big personalities and managing the locker room could prove valuable.
While the move itself is a notable career step for Gibbons, the most intriguing aspect of the announcement is a message he reportedly sent to Toronto Blue Jays’ current head coach, John Schneider. Sources close to the situation have revealed that Gibbons reached out to Schneider personally, offering support and words of encouragement as the Blue Jays look to continue building a championship-contending team in the competitive American League East.
The content of Gibbons’ message was said to be both heartfelt and practical. Gibbons, who had a long and sometimes tumultuous tenure in Toronto, expressed his admiration for Schneider’s ability to step into the head coaching role and navigate the challenges that come with managing a major league team. A source familiar with the message revealed that Gibbons acknowledged the high expectations placed on the Blue Jays and offered his wisdom on handling pressure, especially when dealing with the dynamic personalities and expectations of a young, talented roster.
The relationship between Gibbons and Schneider has been positive over the years. Schneider, who took over as manager of the Blue Jays after Charlie Montoyo’s dismissal in 2022, has spoken highly of Gibbons’ influence on his own coaching journey. The two have exchanged advice and discussed the intricacies of managing a team at the highest level. Gibbons’ message to Schneider is said to reflect a mutual respect that transcends the game, showing the tight-knit nature of the baseball world, even when professional paths diverge.
For Toronto fans, this connection is another reminder of the family-like atmosphere that often exists within the sport. Despite Gibbons now being with a division rival in the Mets, the respect and camaraderie between him and Schneider have endured. It’s also a testament to the community that exists within baseball, where former managers and coaches often remain engaged with the teams they once led, offering guidance and mentorship to those who follow in their footsteps.
John Gibbons, who was beloved by many fans during his time in Toronto, enjoyed significant success with the Blue Jays, including leading the team to back-to-back playoff appearances in 2015 and 2016. Under his leadership, the Blue Jays returned to the postseason for the first time in 22 years, a feat that endeared him to Toronto’s passionate fan base. Gibbons’ role in shaping the culture of the Blue Jays during his tenure has left a lasting impact, and his advice to Schneider is no doubt highly valued.
Schneider, who has been praised for his analytical approach to managing, now faces the challenge of continuing the Blue Jays’ growth and building upon the foundation Gibbons helped lay. Toronto’s roster is stacked with young stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Alek Manoah, which means expectations for the team are sky-high. Gibbons’ message to Schneider emphasizes patience and the importance of staying grounded in the face of external pressures—a sentiment that likely resonates with Schneider as he looks to guide this talented group to greater success.
As the 2025 season approaches, both the Mets and the Blue Jays will have high stakes, though they will be working toward different goals. For Gibbons, his new chapter with the Mets represents an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of another MLB franchise, and for Schneider, Gibbons’ message serves as a reminder that while the challenges of managing a baseball team can be daunting, they are never faced alone.
This unexpected but meaningful exchange between two coaches, from rival teams no less, highlights the deep, often unseen relationships that help shape the sport. Gibbons’ support for Schneider adds a layer of humanity to the ever-competitive world of Major League Baseball, proving that no matter where life takes them, coaches who once shared a dugout can still share valuable advice and camaraderie.
As Gibbons takes on his new role in New York, and Schneider continues to lead the Blue Jays, baseball fans from both cities will be watching closely to see how these teams perform under the guidance of their respective managers. Gibbons’ message will undoubtedly be remembered as a symbol of the ongoing mentorship and brotherhood that defines the fabric of the game.
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