Though we’re still a couple weeks away from the start of the postseason, it’s never too early to start talking about the topic that captures our attention every winter: free agency. In this roundtable, MLB.com examines the possibilities for Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette, who will enter free agency for the first time this offseason.
Alyson Footer, editor/moderator: The Blue Jays’ focus is solely on their playoff push, but whenever the postseason ends for them – and obviously, with the roll they’re on, it could be a while before their offseason starts – it’ll be back to business. And atop their list of items to address will be Bo Bichette and his free agency. Let’s start with this: How likely is it that he signs a long-term deal with Toronto?
Mark Feinsand, senior national reporter: Bichette has had a big bounce-back season after a poor 2024, setting him up for a big payday this winter. Toronto took care of its top priority earlier this year when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signed his $500 million deal, making it clear that contending in future seasons is the plan. But will the Jays have enough money to bring Bichette back while also addressing their other holes? Chris Bassitt is a free agent this year, while Kevin Gausman has only one year left on his deal. The guess here is that another team will ultimately offer more money/years, so it will be a matter of whether Bichette wants to stay in Toronto.
Keegan Matheson, Blue Jays beat reporter: Bichette isn’t a complicated guy, even though there’s been a lot of time wasted trying to get inside his head and analyze his body language. He wants to win and play for an organization that supports that. Right now, the Blue Jays check off both of those. The unspoken part is that he, like anyone else, will want the top contract available to him. Teams are going to have drastically different valuations of Bichette, but no one knows him better than the Blue Jays, and I expect them to be legitimately involved.
They just proved that they’re willing to play with the big boys by signing Vladdy to his extension. In doing so, they also showed they’re willing to step outside of their rigid projections to land a player who matters. The Blue Jays have the money, have the motivation and have the winning environment. If Bichette wants Toronto, Toronto will want him.
Footer: Things seem to have changed for the Jays from one year ago to now. It wasn’t that long ago we were talking about them possibly taking a few steps back, maybe trading away a few of their commodities to trigger a reset. It seemed like they were always the team that were labeled as