In 1997, while at the Single-A Cape Fear Crocs, of the South Atlantic League, Schneider emerged as a premiere defensive player, while also posting solid offensive numbers, and was named to the mid-season All-Star team.

[1] After making a strong impression at the Expos’ spring training in 2000, Schneider was called up to the big leagues, following an injury to regular catcher Chris Widger.

Schneider made his MLB debut on May 26, 2000, on the road at the San Diego Padres’ Qualcomm Stadium, going 0-for-1, after coming into the game as a defensive replacement, in the 9th inning.

On September 22, 2001, Schneider hit his first career home run, coming off Scott Elarton, in the fifth inning of a 3-1 Expos victory over the Colorado Rockies.

He made his outfield debut on June 4, 2002, against the Pittsburgh Pirates, playing left field, after pinch-hitting for Wil Cordero, in the eighth inning.

On September 24, 2002, he was honored as the Expos' nominee for Major League Baseball's first annual Roberto Clemente Award, losing out to Jim Thome.

In 2003, his fourth season with the Expos, Schneider caught a majority of the club's games for the first time, spending a total of 841 innings behind the plate.

At the plate, Schneider established career highs in numerous offensive categories, including hits (77), doubles (26), home runs (9), RBIs (46), total bases (132), and walks (37).

For the second straight season, he led major league catchers in throwing out base-stealers, with a 47.8 percent success rate.

[1] Schneider was behind the plate, catching Mike Bacsik, when Barry Bonds hit his MLB record-breaking 756th career home run, on August 7, 2007.

On November 30, 2007, the Nationals traded Schneider and Ryan Church to the New York Mets for top prospect Lastings Milledge.

[1] In 2008, Brian Schneider's Catching for Kids Foundation was established to support children and their participation in sports by providing funding and creative programming.