With less than three weeks to play in the regular season, the Toronto Blue Jays’ playoff hopes still hang in the balance. After 162 games, they’ll either be flying out for an American League wild-card series or clearing out their lockers for the offseason.With notes on Toronto’s season so far, what a playoff race could look like and potential offseason scenarios, here’s the latest Blue Jays mailbag. Some questions have been edited for brevity and clarity.Why does Brendon Little have so much rope with the coaching staff and front office? — Shaun J.Little was terrible early this season and late last year. There’s no arguing that. That’s why the Jays optioned him to Triple A in June. But since his return on July 20, Little has a 2.37 ERA and 3.67 FIP. While the walks remain an issue and he has appeared in mostly low-leverage situations, he’s been perfectly capable in the second half.The reason the Jays didn’t cast him aside, though, is that he has some of the best raw stuff in the organization. His slider gets the eighth-highest whiff rate among any pitch in baseball. His knuckle curve is a top-50 pitch, too. But in order to become more effective, he’s had to make real changes. Last year, Little basically only threw his curve and sinker. In August, he was a four-pitch guy, throwing his slider, curve, sinker and four-seamer almost equally.The new mix has helped him become less predictable, get in the zone more when he needs to and limit homers. It’s still a work in progress, and the walks are obviously frustrating, but this version of Little is certainly a big-league reliever.Is there an argument to be made that John Schneider is doing an amazing job this year amid injuries, tough breaks and high expectations from the Jays faithful? — Nitin P.Just over a month ago, the Jays traded three of their longest-tenured veterans and members of the team’s core leadership group. They were battered with injuries and eight games under .500. Players were crying on the plane to Houston and hugging teammates in the clubhouse minutes before the deadline.In most years, that would’ve been the end of the season. Most teams would call up some kids, play it out and look to 2027. So it’s pretty easy to make the argument that manager John Schneider and the Jays’ coaching staff deserve a lot of credit for keeping this team in the race. They’ve worked through bullpen games, managed a constantly injured rotation, found a bit more offence and kept a new clubhouse believing in a playoff race.Schneider is just one of a bunch of factors in Toronto’s resurgence. It’s taken sparkplugs like Brett Bateman and Charles McAdoo, the rest of the AL wild-card race staying mediocre and a tired bullpen continuing to pitch well. Just like early in the season, it’s unfair to blame Schneider for all the Jays struggles, with injuries and slumping stars also playing a part. And it’s unfair to give him all the credit now. But he certainly deserves some. Ultimately, though, this game is about winning. If the Jays get to October, Schneider will surely get his flowers.George Springer could be the odd man out for the Blue Jays as he hits free agency after the season. (Jay Biggerstaff / Getty Images)Which, if any, of these free agents do you think the Blue Jays consider bringing back next year? George Springer, Max Scherzer, Shane Bieber or Kevin Gausman. — Anonymous U.Springer has given a lot to the Jays over the last six years, both in the clubhouse and on the field, but bringing back a 37-year-old pure designated hitter would really limit the Jays’ roster flexibility. Having that spot open for Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Kazuma Okamoto and perhaps Anthony Santander would really open up the 2027 Jays.