Bo Bichette’s near-certain departure following the subpar 2024 season has turned into a ‘will they, won’t they’ over the past month. The 27-year-old made quite the noise in decisive Game 7 of the World Series, where his three-run homer was the biggest swing in the team’s recent memory. It would not prove enough to win the ring, but the shortstop was definitely making a case. 

Earlier in May, Bichette had recorded his career 100th home run against the Athletics, which made him the first Blue Jays shortstop ever to reach the milestone. Now, as the front office navigates the offseason, with him hitting free agency, President Mark Shapiro remains reminiscent of all those contributions; contributions the club is not willing to skip over. 

“As I reflected on his ability and toughness and desire to be on the field and the condition he was in during the postseason, and his ability to still provide some of the most important lift, you know, in the World Series. He’s been a special part of this organization, and a special part of us building towards this. And he certainly makes our team better. So as we go through the offseason planning, I am sure that’ll be factored in,” Shapiro revealed during the year-end press conference when asked about Toronto’s plan to re-sign Bichette.

The shortstop has been quite efficient offensively with a slashline of 311/.357/.483, alongside 18 home runs and 94 RBIs. At the time of injury, which he suffered on September 6th, he also led the league with 181 hits. Add to that the shortstop market being small, and you find plenty of reasons for the Blue Jays to sign him. But it isn’t an easy call. 

As expected, the Blue Jays extended the qualifying offer worth $22.05 million on Thursday, hoping they’d get draft compensation if Bichette signs elsewhere. The shortstop has until November 18th to respond. If he declines, which numerous experts believe he will, and if the Blue Jays are determined to get him back, they will be up for a battle, possibly looking at a $200 million contract.

The purse really isn’t an issue for the Blue Jays, owned by Rogers Communications. They pulled out the fifth-highest payroll last season, while the company also incurred $100-150 million in incremental revenue during the playoff run.

But with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. having signed a $500 million deal just last year, the club is worried about concentrating the payroll only on a couple of players. Moreover, alongside Bichette, they will be watching  Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt hit free agency this offseason.

Having had the most successful season since the 1993 championship, the Blue Jays are willing to run it back. But they need to retain as much of their core roster as possible to meet the expectations and the standards they have set. If they want to get their shortstop back, though, time’s running out.

As per The Sporting Tribune, “Los Angeles sits at 5/2 odds (+250) to sign Bichette, the shortest odds of any team.” It’s well known that the Dodgers aren’t the team to hold back, boasting the biggest payroll in the league. So will the Blue Jays take the leap, or will the rest of the offseason moves take priority? 

Blue Jays front office plots aggressive offseason moves

In the aftermath of their heartbreaking Game 7 loss, the Jays‘ leadership is setting the mood for the offseason without wasting a single minute. “We can’t rest,” stated Mark Shapiro, cementing the team’s commitment to transform setbacks into springboards. The Jays’ top management, led by Shapiro and GM Ross Atkins, is determined to solidify the roster while safeguarding the clubhouse’s defining traits, “toughness and togetherness.”

Atkins admitted that discussions to reinforce the starting rotation are already going on, disclosing the club has been “working on that for some time.” His statements regarding him feeling “good about the starting pitching market” hint at the Jays already being involved in both free agent negotiations as well as trade. The front office also looks very much focused on adding stability, with Atkins acknowledging ongoing talks to extend John Schneider’s deal.

Regardless of questions concerning Bo Bichette’s future, Shapiro and Atkins hit a tone of confidence, insisting that they will remain “in his market.” In short, the Jays are approaching this offseason with urgency and purpose, focusing on turning heartbreak into momentum and returning stronger, sharper, and more determined to complete what they started.

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