“I’ve said I want to be here from the beginning.” Bo Bichette couldn’t have made his feelings any clearer about being a Blue Jay. He loves Toronto, loves the clubhouse, and loves wearing the Toronto Blue Jays uniform. But as free agency looms, one of the biggest questions is – his health and if Toronto can afford to keep him.

ESPN summed it up in plain and simple terms.

“Toronto already has about $850 million in future commitments. Adding a nine-figure deal for Bichette would spike their projected 2026 payroll close to $200 million with holes to fill in their pitching staff.” That’s a huge challenge for Toronto.

While they are not a small-market club, even deep pockets have limits. The Toronto Blue Jays have shown a willingness to spend when and where it matters. And they are backed by Rogers Communications and the loyalty of a dedicated fan base. They have attempted for Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto, so they have the money. And if that doesn’t say it, then Vladimir Guerrero’s $500 million mega-deal does!

But Bichette’s situation is different.

While his bat is the most consistent in the league, his health – his left knee – has become a growing concern for the front office. The knee injury, which kept him out for seven weeks before the postseason and affected his World Series run, is a major issue.

Sure, in Game 7 of the World Series, he blasted a three-run homer off Shohei Ohtani to give the Jays an early lead. But Bichette noticeably favored his left leg while rounding the bases. Later, when he tried to stretch from second to third, it was clear he wasn’t performing at full strength. Not to mention that he was not in his usual shortstop role. In the WS, he was at second base.

Now, Spotrac projects Bichette’s next contract to be eight years and $186 million. But that number might fluctuate, and his knee might force maybe a permanent defensive shift at second or third base and affect his market value, too. Still, some predictions say Bichette is worth it!

Bichette is the heartbeat for the Blue Jays.

In 2025, he bounced back to hit .311 with 18 homers, 94 RBIs, and 181 hits. He went 8-for-23 in the World Series with a .923 OPS. No doubt he is a cornerstone player. But for Toronto, another long-term deal, alongside Guerrero, could limit their flexibility when addressing the other areas.

“I’ll remember this group forever,” Bichette shared after the crushing Game 7 loss. If Bichette walks, the Jays won’t lose a shortstop; they would lose a part of the Jays’ soul.

The top 3 teams that could steal the Blue Jays’ star shortstop

If Bichette does end up parting ways with the Blue Jays, three teams make perfect sense for his next chapter in the major leagues.

#3. New York Yankees

One of the most obvious would be the pinstriped team. As everyone saw this season, the New York Yankees’ shortstop situation has been anything but ideal. Anthony Volpe followed up his Gold Glove campaign with a rather rough year at the plate. He hit just .212 with a .663 OPS. Even defensively, he regressed, posting a -5 DRS and a -6 OAA.

So here, Bichette can easily bring some life to that lineup. Although the New York Yankees will hope that his glove sharpens up with time to avoid adding to more defensive headaches.

#2. Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers are another AL team that badly needs a shortstop upgrade. Trey Sweeney has struggled offensively, and Javier Baez has been inconsistent both at the plate and in the field. Bichette here would help stabilize the infield—plus if he is open to switching to second base, then the Tigers could make room, especially with Torres expected to test free agency after a strong one-year outing.

#1. Atlanta Braves

If there is one team that feels just right for Bichette, then it’s the Braves. They could use a consistent hitter like Bo Bichette to balance that power-heavy lineup they have. Nick Allen managed just a .221 average in 126 games, and Ha Seong Kim is most likely going to opt out of his deal. So the Braves do have an opening. Bichette’s high-contact ways and knack for clutch moments would go perfectly with stars like Acuna Jr., maybe even spark another championship run in Atlanta.

Who do you think Bichette will choose, though?