Blue Jays still have crucial decision to make with Bo Bichette

Blue Jays still have crucial decision to make with Bo Bichette

The Toronto Blue Jays saved their credibility as an organization … for now.

On Sunday night, the organization officially re-signed star slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a 14-year, $500 million extension. Toronto didn’t initially meet Guerrero’s deadline in mid-February, but the two sides were still able to strike a deal after weeks of negotiations behind the scenes (and through the media).

All of this came after weeks–and even months–of speculation about whether Guerrero wanted to stay in Toronto or explore the market, where there would have been a crowd of suitors lining up. Instead, the Blue Jays, who haven’t won a postseason game since 2016, retained their guy–an objectively awesome move for the city and organization.

But now, the Blue Jays will have another crucial decision to make regarding shortstop Bo Bichette.

Why Blue Jays need to retain Bo Bichette:

Guerrero wasn’t the only free agent expected to hit the market this offseason. Bichette, 27, is in the last year of arbitration ($17.6 million) and is expected to headline the free agent list at his position next winter.

Over the next three offseasons, the class isn’t deep. If you don’t believe me, look for yourself. The best outside of Bichette this upcoming winter is likely Tommy Edman, who’s been one of the Dodgers’ unsung heroes since arriving ahead of last year’s deadline. In 2027? Ha-Seong Kim or J.P. Crawford. In 2028? Jeremy Pena.

It’s not deep.

Bichette’s also consistently been one of the best hitters at his position. He had an OPS+ of 120 or better (20 percent above MLB average) in each of his five seasons ahead of his injury-riddled 2024. From 2021-23, he slashed .298/.339/.476 while averaging 24 home runs, 34 doubles and 89 RBIs per season. His 125 wRC+ and .350 weighted on-base average (wOBA) over those three years is the fifth-best amongst shortstops.

His defense has been a work in progress, but he more than makes up for it with his bat. Andres Gimenez has been a welcome surprise to begin the 2025 season; Anthony Santander is a respectable switch-hitter. But you can make the argument that Bichette is the best player behind Guerrero Jr. on the Blue Jays right now, with respect to those aforementioned names plus others.

Kristian Campbell didn’t want to pass up opportunity to make $60 million

The Blue Jays do have a shortstop in the ranks in Arjun Nimmala, a 19-year-old who was their first-round pick in 2023. He still has a long ways to go, however.

The Blue Jays’ current goal should be trying to surround their new $500 million man with the best pieces possible to put themselves in contention to win a World Series in the short- and long-term, which they have not been able to say over the last several seasons.

One could assume a big reason for signing it (outside of the whopping $ amount) is the vision the organization sold him. Bichette should be a part of said vision. If not, they will need to have one heck of a backup plan before their superstar becomes a little noisy.

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