The Toronto Blue Jays have already made some big-time signings this winter. They signed Dylan Cease to a $210 million deal and Cody Ponce to a $30 million deal.
The Blue Jays are reportedly still pursuing Kyle Tucker, who could sign a deal that reaches over $400 million in total value. However, the Blue Jays may also be interested in bringing Bo Bichette back. He has been a key player for them and has noted his desire to stay in Toronto and continue playing with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Bichette is one of the best free agents on the market and could have plenty of suitors. He is not expected to take a discount, so the Blue Jays will need to at least match the highest offer he receives. Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly predicted the Blue Jays would find a way to keep Bichette by signing him to a monster seven-year, $210 million deal.
A $210 million deal for Bichette would be the sixth-largest shortstop contract in baseball. It would tie Cease for the third second largest contract in franchise history. However, the Blue Jays may want Bichette to change positions.
His minus-13 outs above average last season ranked in the 1st percentile among shortstops. He is not a great defender, and the Blue Jays could look to swap him and AndrĂ©s GimĂ©nez’s positions. Bichette is an elite hitter and would be a great piece to keep around.
