The Toronto Blue Jays have wasted little time making noise this offseason, but one major piece of their puzzle remains unresolved: Bo Bichette is still a free agent.
After seven seasons in Toronto, Bichette’s future remains up in the air. While the Jays have already added right-handers Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, and bolstered their bullpen with sidearmer Tyler Rogers, the most notable move might’ve come from within-Shane Bieber opting into his deal to stay with the team. It’s a strong start to the winter, but the Bichette question still looms large.
Bichette, who fought through a knee injury during the postseason, returned for the World Series and didn’t just show up-he delivered. In a seven-game battle with the Dodgers, Bichette hit .348, racked up eight hits, drove in six runs, and launched a home run. Even while playing out of position at second base-swapping spots with Andres Gimenez-he remained one of Toronto’s most reliable bats on the biggest stage.
That positional flexibility could be a game-changer in free agency. According to reports, Bichette is open to playing both second base and shortstop moving forward.
While shortstop has always been his natural home, adding second base to his résumé could expand his market significantly. Teams that may not have had a shortstop vacancy might now take a closer look.
Toronto hasn’t closed the door on bringing Bichette back, but they’re clearly exploring all options. Kyle Tucker has been mentioned as a possible target, and if the Jays can’t land either Tucker or re-sign Bichette, Alex Bregman is another name that’s surfaced in connection with the club.
The Blue Jays aren’t the only ones circling these top-tier names. The Boston Red Sox are reportedly in the mix for both Bichette and Bregman, while the Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs have been linked to Bregman dating back to last offseason.
For now, the Jays are in a holding pattern with Bichette, but the clock is ticking. He’s a proven postseason performer, a two-time All-Star, and now a player with the versatility to fit into multiple infield roles. Wherever he lands-back in Toronto or elsewhere-he’s going to bring both production and poise to the table.
The Blue Jays have made it clear they’re aiming high this offseason. The only question is whether their longtime shortstop will be part of the next chapter.