The Toronto Blue Jays have been active this offseason, but one of the biggest questions is whether or not they will re-sign Bo Bichette.
Bichette is one of the top free agents available, and he’s spent his entire career with the Blue Jays. After Toronto lost in the World Series, Bichette said he would like to return.
Yet, after Toronto extended CEO and President Mark Shapiro, Blue Jays owner Edward Rogers spoke about Bichette and sent a clear message to the star shortstop.
“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 been an impactful bat for the Blue Jays, and Rogers knows he’s a key part of the team. So, the owner is keeping the door open for Bichette to return, but he said it’s up to Ross Atkins and the front office.
“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.
Bichette Wants to Remain With Blue Jays
After Toronto lost in Game 7 of the World Series, Bichette was asked about his looming free agency and made it clear he wanted to return.
Bichette has been adamant that he wants to spend his entire career in Toronto. He also wants to continue to play with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who’s his close friend.
“I’ve said I want to be here from the beginning,” Bichette said after Game 7.
Bichette, meanwhile, wants to build off 2025 as he felt like it was a special group.
“I’ll remember this group forever,” Bichette added. “I think this group taught me what a team is. I think it’s probably the most valuable lesson in my career, so they mean a ton to me.”
Bichette dealt with an injury that forced him to miss most of September, the ALDS, and the ALCS. But he was able to return for the World Series, where he played second base, which could mean a position change in the future.
Toronto GM Comments on Bichette’s Free Agency
Bichette is one of the top free agents available, and Toronto is keeping the door open for him.
At the Winter Meetings, Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins was asked about Bichette and had nothing but praise for him.
“He’s a great player. Incredible impact on this organization. We wouldn’t be having this discussion about that momentum without him,” Atkins said. “Not just this year, but over the last 10.”
Meanwhile, at the GM Meetings, Atkins confirmed the Blue Jays will remain in the market for 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 expected to get a lucrative long-term deal that could exceed $200 million.
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