The Toronto Blue Jays could be playing without Bo Bichette next season.
Bichette turned down a qualifying offer from the Blue Jays, which was widely expected. He’s expected to command a lucrative multi-year deal. Multiple teams have checked in on Bichette, including the Blue Jays hated rival, the Boston Red Sox.
MLB insider Ian Browne of MLB.com reports that the Red Sox are closely monitoring Bichette’s market.
“The Red Sox will be monitoring the free agent situations of Bo Bichette and Kyle Schwarber closely,” Browne wrote in a piece published on Saturday. “Both of those players are attached to the qualifying offer, which means Boston will have to provide Draft compensation in the event of a signing.”
Bichette would be a big get for the Red Sox as he’s one of the top hitters available in free agency. Boston would also be hurting their AL East rival in the Blue Jays, by stealing one of their top hitters.
If Bichette were to leave the Blue Jays for the Red Sox, it would be a major blow to their roster. Meanwhile, Boston would get a major boost to the infield, and their lineup as the Red Sox look to chase down the Blue Jays for the AL East title next season.
Blue Jays Hoping to Bring Bichette Back
Bichette has spent his entire career in the Blue Jays organization, but that could soon change.
The star shortstop is one of the top free agents available, and several teams will be after him. Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said entering the offseason that the team will be after Bichette.
“Great player,” Atkins said of Bichette. “Bo’s been a significant part of us being in a strong position today. And a reason that we’re coming off five solid seasons of baseball. And one really, really good year of baseball. He’s had a lot to do with it. I know he’s going to be attractive to the market. We’ll be in his market.”
Bichette is a two-time MLB All-Star and has led the AL in hits twice.
What is Bichette Expected to Get in Free Agency?
Bichette is one of the top players available and will have a great market after him.
MLBTradeRumors predicts Bichette will sign a six-year, $208 million deal this offseason.
“Looking ahead, it’s possible there are teams that still think Bichette can play a passable shortstop for the next year or two. But his long-term home increasingly seems likely to be at second base,” the article wrote. “That’s not a position that’s typically well-compensated on the market. But Bichette is an All-Star-caliber hitter whose suspect arm strength would be mitigated with a move to the other side of the bag. …
“Bichette is young enough, heading into his age-28 season, and potent enough in the batter’s box that it’s easy to imagine a team making some room to fit him into the mix by making a trade or two. After Tucker, he’s perhaps the best bet on this year’s free-agent market to clear $200MM in guaranteed money.”
Bichette hit .311 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs last season.
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