The Toronto Blue Jays could be the front-runners to sign Bo Bichette.
Blue Jays commentator Buck Martinez claims Bichette wants to return to Toronto, and both sides want to get a deal done. Martinez appeared on MLB Network on Monday and said Bichette wants to be back in Toronto.
“Nobody knows where the negotiations are, everyone wants to keep those close to the vest, but I know Bo wants to come back,” Martinez said on MLB Network. “He signed as a teenager with the Blue Jays. If the Blue Jays win Game 7, his home run off Ohtani might have been one of the most important home runs in franchise history. I know he wants to come back. The question is, does he want to play short or does he want to play second? My feeling, and this is without talking at all to Bo about it, is I think he would play second base alongside Andres Gimenez.
“He and Gimenez played throughout the minor leagues against each other and have a tremendous amount of respect for each other. I think Bo, at this point in his career, would love to stay in Toronto, finish off his career with Vladdy Guerrero Jr., and be the second baseman going forward. I don’t have any inside information about that. But reading the tea leaves, I think that’s the best scenario. I would say it’s probably a strong eight (out of 10) that Bo ends up back in Toronto.”
It’s a strong take from Martinez, who not only thinks Bichette will sign an extension with the Blue Jays but would also move to second base. Making Bichette a second baseman going forward will be easier on his body, while his bat would play much better at second.
Gimenez is Preparing to Play Shortstop
If Bichette does re-sign with Toronto, many would expect him to remain at shortstop.
However, Martinez believes there’s a chance Bichette would be open to moving to second base. He played second base during the World Series, and Blue Jays insider Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet reported that Gimenez is preparing to play shortstop.
“Andres Gimenez is preparing to play shortstop for now, but could switch to second base if needed, and either way the Blue Jays expect to assign him one position for the 2026 season,” Nicholson-Smith wrote.
Gimenez is one of the best defensive infielders in baseball, but his bat has been an issue. But, if he moves to shortstop, his bat plays better there than compared to second base, which is usually an offensive position.
However, it isn’t certain that Bichette will want to move to second base, as he may want to return to shortstop.
Blue Jays Owner Would Like Bichette Back
Bichette has spent his entire career with the Blue Jays and has been an impact player for Toronto.
The star shortstop is one of the top free agents available, but Blue Jays owner Edward Rogers said he would like him to bring him 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.”
Rogers also praised Bichette for his play during the World Series.
“I’d say what we saw through the playoffs was that Bo performed well through the World Series run,” Rogers said. “But so many of our players came up, and I find teams that have deep bonds, obviously the stars shine, but a lot of other people need to shine to be a competitive team and we have amazing depth.”
Bichette is a two-time MLB All-Star
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