Almost two months removed from reaching their first World Series in 30 years, the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday announced a five-year extension for longtime president and CEO Mark Shapiro, an anticipated formality following the franchise’s resurgent season and playoff run.
“Under Mark’s leadership, the Blue Jays have become a benchmark for excellence in Major League Baseball,” Rogers Communications president and CEO Tony Staffieri said in a news release. “He has delivered a best-in-class fan experience both on and off the field and we’re excited for a strong future for the Blue Jays.”
It wasn’t entirely clear that Shapiro, whose contract was set to expire early next year, would be extended entering this past season. After taking over as team president in 2015 from Cleveland, Shapiro ushered the Blue Jays into the modern baseball age with a nearly $100 million rebuild of the team’s Florida development complex and a $400 million stadium renovation in Toronto. The franchise reached new payroll heights, as well. But not until 2025 did those investments in infrastructure and roster translate into extended postseason success.
Before the Jays won the American League East and lost in Game 7 of the World Series in October, they hadn’t recorded a playoff victory since Shapiro’s first full season (2016). The three playoff appearances that followed 2016 all ended with immediate sweeps. The futures of Shapiro, general manager Ross Atkins and manager John Schneider were all somewhat uncertain mere months ago.
But in 2025, the on-field product turned a corner. Players lauded the team culture Shapiro and others built over the years. Many benefited from the newer tools at their disposal, putting together breakout campaigns.
The likelihood of an extension for Shapiro increased as the team progressed in 2025. By August, the team president essentially teased the coming agreement.
“I want to remain here,” Shapiro said. “And I can also say that both Edward (Rogers) and Tony (Staffieri) have been reciprocal in that desire.”
Shapiro is now tasked with continuing the Jays’ success beyond 2025.
The biggest infrastructure projects Shapiro oversaw for the team are complete. The stadium in Toronto is largely modernized and the Florida development complex is one of the best in baseball. Now he will need to keep Toronto on the cutting edge and charging toward a return to the World Series once again.
Shapiro will also be a key figure in planning Toronto’s 50th anniversary season in 2026 and attempting to get an All-Star Game back to the city.
With Shapiro’s future now certain, extensions for two other key Blue Jays figures could be next. Atkins, the club’s general manager, has declined to publicly discuss the status of his contract, which is believed to expire after next season. Schneider, the manager, had an option picked up for 2026 season and has spoken with the team about a new deal.