The Toronto Blue Jays continue to be linked to Bo Bichette, but other teams are now showing interest.
Bichette is one of the top free agent bats available, but the star hitter could be many teams’ backup plan. Toronto could look back at Bichette if they don’t sign Kyle Tucker, while the Boston Red Sox have also shown interest, but their focus is on Alex Bregman.
Yet, MLB insider Jon Heyman of The New York Post reported on Thursday that more teams are now checking in on Bichette amid his slow-moving market.
“This ultra-young superstar free agent (27) is one of two shortstops with a .300 average, .475 slugging percentage and less than a 15 percent strikeout rate (Bobby Witt Jr.) this decade. Bichette, the only player to hit .300 vs. fastballs, breaking balls and changeups/splits, was leading the AL in hits for his third season in four when he went out with injury (he’s said to be 100 percent now),” Heyman wrote on Thursday.
“Bichette, also in the 99th percentile in hard-hit rate, returned for limited duty in the World Series and for eight innings was the Game 7 hero. He’s drawing interest at second and third, as well as his natural shortstop. Bichette’s Jays want him back, the Red Sox have interest depending on what happens with Bregman and trade target Marte, while the Cubs, Yankees and Dodgers all have checked in.”
With more teams checking in on Bichette, perhaps that does lead to him signing sooner. And that could very well mean Bichette leaves Toronto and signs elsewhere.
Blue Jays Have Kept Tabs on Bichette
Despite other teams now talking to Bichette, Toronto has remained interested in bringing back the star shortstop.
Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said at the GM Meetings that the team will remain in Bichette’s market. Meanwhile, Blue Jays owner Edward Rogers seemingly hinted at wanting Bichette back.
“Bo has been a part of this team throughout his career. It’s home for him. I’m hopeful we have the best, most competitive team we can,” Rogers said to Toronto Star’s Gregor Chisholm. “I’m not part of that decision-making. That’s (general manager) Ross (Atkins) and Mark. We’re working hard to try to figure that out.”
Bichette has spent his entire career with the Blue Jays and has said he wants to remain in Toronto.
However, whether or not Bichette will re-sign with Toronto is to be seen, as he remains on the open market, and now, new teams are showing interest in him.
Toronto is Expected to Add a Bat
The Blue Jays have been active this offseason, but the focus has been on pitching.
However, Toronto has been linked to some of the top free agent bats like Tucker, Bichette, and Bregman. And, MLB insider Jeff Passan believes the Blue Jays will likely land at least one bat.
“I don’t think the Blue Jays are done,” Passan said to Michael Kay. “I think they’re gonna get a big bat. Not sure if that’s Kyle Tucker or Alex Bregman or Bo Bichette or maybe multiple of them. The Blue Jays right now are in a position where they are willing to spend, they feel like they have a window here, and they are going to take advantage of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s prime years.”
If Toronto can land one or multiple bats, the Blue Jays could be the World Series favorites in 2026.
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