The World Series finalists, the Toronto Blue Jays, have always been an organization whose foundation is built from the top down. So, while the fanbase of the only Canadian MLB team awaits some crucial decisions around Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker, the top brass has locked down the architect of their franchise.

“Mark Shapiro receives 5-year extension to remain president of the Toronto Blue Jays,” reported MLB insider Bob Nightengale.

Shapiro entered Toronto in 2015 and signed his second extension in 2021. The financial terms are not disclosed yet. However, it is hard to ignore what the CEO and President has done with the franchise.

• After he was signed, Shapiro brought in general manager Ross Atkins, who had worked under him in Cleveland.
• In 2021, Toronto just missed the playoffs and was swept in the first round in 2022 and again in 2023.
• The Blue Jays finished last in the East Division standings in 2024. However, they had a huge bounce-back in 2025.
• With a 94-win campaign in 2025, Toronto won the ALCS and reached the World Series for the first time since 1993.
• The Blue Jays pushed defending champions, the LA Dodgers, to Game 7 of the World Series before losing the title game.
• Outside of the team, one of Shapiro’s most significant legacies has been overseeing major renovations at Rogers Centre and upgrading player facilities.
• Shapiro also spearheaded the revitalization of the Blue Jays’ spring training complex in Dunedin, Florida.

The support for how Shapiro has recreated the new super-market in MLB is visible in what the team thought of the extension…

“Mark’s exceptional leadership has been a driving force behind the Blue Jays’ success, and we’re thrilled he will continue to lead our team and build on their incredible momentum,” team chairman Edward Rogers, also the executive chair of team owner Rogers Communications, said in a statement.

Shapiro’s contract extension will see him through the end of this decade. Meanwhile, he’ll keep himself busy building Canada’s MLB team by bringing in the correct tools to the lockerroom.

“The opportunity to lead the Blue Jays organization for the past 10 years has been incredibly fulfilling,” Shapiro said on Friday. “Together, we have built an organization with people who care deeply about baseball and take immense pride in being Canada’s team. I am grateful and honoured to be able to continue that work.”

Mark Shapiro transformed how the Blue Jays operate, seamlessly integrating baseball and business decisions. Meanwhile, Ross Atkins, his hand-picked GM, continues through 2026, maintaining organizational continuity. It is expected that Atkins, too, will get a contract extension to last in Toronto as long as Shapiro’s current tenure.

The 2025 season highlighted Shapiro’s ability to lead the Blue Jays to championship contention, as he did in a 24-year stay in Cleveland. The Guardians reached the playoffs eight times during Shapiro’s tenure, including two World Series appearances. Following the 2005 and 2007 seasons, Shapiro was named the Sporting News executive of the year.

The team signed Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a $500 million deal, while Dylan Cease joined with a seven-year, $210 million contract. Shapiro has proven he can leverage financial resources to strengthen roster competitiveness.

Looking ahead, Shapiro plans to sign Kyle Tucker or Bo Bichette, or potentially both. Such additions would complement existing stars and maintain the projected $265 million payroll for next season. This strategy aims to make Toronto one of the strongest teams in Major League Baseball.

Shapiro’s extension signals Toronto’s commitment to sustained leadership, proving patience can still yield results. While Shapiro is committed to building a championship-calibre team for a best-in-class fan experience, he is not alone. Toronto’s $500 million star is also trying to push their offseason moves.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is trying to make sure the Blue Jays sign Kyle Tucker

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is dropping hints so obvious they might as well be billboards, making sure everyone knows the path to redemption runs through one name: Kyle Tucker. He recently commented on Tucker’s social media workout post with an eye emoji, sparking renewed speculation. Vladdy’s gesture quickly linked the superstar duo in fan conversations.

The Toronto Blue Jays are actively pursuing free agent outfielder, widely regarded as the top bat available this offseason. Tucker visited the Blue Jays’ Dunedin, Florida, facility and met with Toronto’s front office on December  3. Reports project Tucker’s next contract could exceed $450 million, reflecting sustained elite performance across multiple seasons.

If Tucker signs, the Blue Jays would pair two elite bats behind a lineup that reached the World Series, transforming from contenders to a feared offensive powerhouse, intensifying playoff expectations.