The Toronto Blue Jays made it to the World Series last season, but now one of their best players is a free agent. Bo Bichette was a key reason the Blue Jays were the top seed in the American League, and should draw plenty of interest on the open market.
Bichette did not have a strong season in 2024, but bounced back this year. He slashed .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs in 139 games last season. He had a chance to lead all of baseball in hits before a knee injury forced him to miss time. He did not play in the postseason until the World Series.
Bichette has made it clear he wants to stay in Toronto, but paying him is not so cut and dry. He is not a great defender at shortstop and may need to slide over to second base. Additionally, many teams will be trying to get him, so the Blue Jays may have to win a bidding war. However, ultimately, FanSided’s Christopher Kline predicted Bichette would choose to stay with the Blue Jays.
Bichette told Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi in 2024 that he wants to keep playing with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. It’s hard to imagine that sentiment has changed after a trip to the World Series. The two are close, and Bichette may be willing to take a discount to stay in Toronto.
“When I had time to think about what I want, basically, my ultimate goal really is to play with Vladdy forever, to win a championship with him and to do that with this organization,” Bichette said in 2024, per Davidi. “I’m 100 percent committed to doing whatever it takes to accomplish those things. That’s where I’m at.”
The Blue Jays have already reportedly agreed to sign Dylan Cease. They are also rumored to get involved in the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes. The team has never been shy of spending, so keeping Bichette should not be ruled out even if they sign Tucker.
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