This year, this Toronto Blue Jays star has given back-to-back surprises. First, he cut off his signature hair. And now, his eyes have a completely different type of sparkle. The grim look we’ve gotten used to has turned into a smile. And the reason is finally out!

With thoughts of the playoffs on his head and his teammate Vladimir Guerrero Jr. by his side, something much bigger was happening off the field. This Blue Jays star is not only getting ready for October Glory. However, he is also preparing for a new journey with his diamond, his girlfriend, Alexis.

Yes! You read it right! It’s Bo Bichette who secretly got engaged in May. And thanks to Rosie DiManno of the Toronto Star, who shared the news in her latest column. She wrote, “Bichette has even occasionally been spotted smiling in the dugout. His game face is more a thousand-yard stare. That might have something to do with being in an especially happy place right now, since proposing to girlfriend Alexis in May, their marriage planned for January.” Indeed, he’s in a happy place! Not only off-field but on-field too.

He changed positions right before the Angels series on July 4–6. He went from leadoff to cleanup (4th in the lineup). Putting himself in the middle of the order. Since then, Bichette has been hitting with an average of .270 in July.

And he is not the only one hitting him, and Vladdy Jr. has also been the offense’s driving force. Bo Bichette scored 41 runs and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 55 this season. They’re an excellent combo that leads the Blue Jays’ offense with 96 runs. But the question is for how long?

Well, we all know Bichette’s contract is ending soon. In June 2016, the Blue Jays signed Bo Bichette as a second-round pick. He made his MLB debut on July 29, 2019. Later, he signed a three-year, $33.6 million extension in February 2023, expiring after the 2025 season.

And he and Vladdy have a dream of winning the World Series. As Rosie DiManno wrote, “He’s always insisted that the dream was to win a World Series with Vladdy.” Vladdy will be there, but Bichette is not sure! And for him, leaving the club “would be tough.” 

A decision that purely lies with the front office. Bo Bichette is committed to giving his best for the Blue Jays. And his 12th homer against the Angels was a great one!

Bo Bichette’s 12th HR, amid trade dilemma, lifts Blue Jays

On July 6th, Bo Bichette hit his 12th home run in the bottom of the fourth inning against the Angels. And the timings could not have been better. He hit a changeup over the left-field wall to tie the game at 1–1 against left-hander Patrick Anderson. The ball went a huge 408 feet, with a launch angle of 32° and an exit speed of 109.0 mph. A classic Bichette’s power stroke.

Bichette has remained strong for the Blue Jays, despite speculation about his contract.  And his place in the lineup has changed from leadoff to cleanup. That hit wasn’t just another one. It was the winning run in a 3–2 win that gave the Blue Jays their eighth straight win. He keeps coming through when it counts, despite all the noise.

And Manager John Schneider knows his importance. He said, “You want Bo up in those spots with a runner on second or bases loaded or whatever it is. More times than not, he’s going to put the ball in play and hit it hard.” 

Bichette Bo is still a key player for the Blue Jays, not just because he swings for the fences but also because he brings home wins. Now, only time will tell if he and Vladdy Jr. can fulfil their long desire.