The Toronto Blue Jays came heartbreakingly close to winning it all last season-just three outs away from hoisting the World Series trophy before the Los Angeles Dodgers flipped the script in dramatic fashion. But even in the sting of that loss, one thing became crystal clear: Bo Bichette’s value is soaring.
The 25-year-old shortstop didn’t just show up in October-he showed out. His postseason performance turned heads across the league, and now, as he enters free agency, multiple teams are circling.
What’s interesting, though, is that not every club sees Bichette as a shortstop. Some view him as a better fit at second or third base, depending on their current infield setup.
That kind of positional flexibility-combined with his youth, bat, and playoff pedigree-has made him one of the most intriguing names on the market this offseason.
According to league insiders, Bichette is expected to command a hefty deal, and there’s already a benchmark out there to measure his value. Think Willy Adames’ recent seven-year, $182 million contract with the Giants.
Bichette is younger, and with inflation and his October résumé factored in, the projection is creeping toward seven years and $189 million. That’s about $27 million per year for a player who’s still entering his prime.
But here’s where things get especially interesting: the Braves just signed Ha-Seong Kim, and that move could have ripple effects on Bichette’s market. Atlanta’s infield is now locked in-Kim at shortstop, Ozzie Albies at second, and Austin Riley at third. That effectively takes the Braves out of the Bichette sweepstakes, which is good news for Toronto if they’re serious about bringing him back.
And make no mistake, the Blue Jays have a decision to make. With Kyle Tucker also in the mix as a potential target, the front office may have to choose between the slugging outfielder and their homegrown infielder. But if you ask most fans, the answer is clear: keeping Bichette in Toronto should be the priority.
Bichette hasn’t been shy about his desire to stay north of the border. He’s become a face of the franchise, a clubhouse leader, and a player who’s delivered in the biggest moments. Letting him walk-especially after coming so close to a title-would be a tough pill to swallow.
The Blue Jays are at a crossroads. And with the market heating up, the clock is ticking.