Longtime Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette was given an updated contract projection from ESPN MLB Insider Kiley McDaniel on Tuesday morning, with McDaniel predicting he’ll get five years and $150 million instead of the five years and $130 million he originally thought.
How does this impact the Jays?
At this point, it doesn’t seem like the money impacts the Jays at all. They have it, and they are prepared to use it. They’ve already spent $210 million on Dylan Cease, $30 million on Cody Ponce and $37 million on Tyler Rogers. They are doing all they can to make themselves better in 2026 – and beyond – and it doesn’t seem like money is going to stop them. Especially when George Springer, Kevin Gausman and Yimi Garcia come off the books after 2026.
So what’s the real issue?
The real issue is do the Blue Jays really want him back in the future? If Bichette comes back and plays second base, that means they likely play Ernie Clement at third and Addison Barger in right field.
Do the Jays like that better than the idea of Barger playing third, Clement at second and signing someone like Cody Bellinger or Kyle Tucker to play in the outfield? That’s really what it comes down to. The money can work, the positions are tougher.
About Bichette
One of the most prominent players on the market this offseason, Bichette has said several times that he wants to be back in Toronto.
He’s spent seven years with the Jays, but he is one of the youngest stars (27) on the market, so he undoubtedly has other suitors as well. He’s a two-time All-Star who has led the American League in hits twice. He has been an integral part of the Jays offense and the homegrown tandem of him and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the kind of thing that franchises dream about.
He hit .311 with 18 homers in 2025.
More Blue Jays stories
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to play in WBC, officially
Here’s why Blue Jays can fix Dylan Cease’s biggest issue
Blue Jays could reportedly go to $400 million for Kyle Tucker
Other possible suitors
If the Red Sox are unable to bring back Alex Bregman, Bichette could fit in in Boston. If not Boston, the Detroit Tigers could have some interest, as they are also Bregman fans. So, if they miss out on him, they could pivot to Bichette.
We haven’t heard any chatter about the Seattle Mariners, but they have been looking at second basemen on the market, and after trading Marcus Semien, could the Texas Rangers be a fit?
Timing
A deal can come together at any time, but with the Christmas holiday approaching, it seems like there’s urgency across the league to make deals.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Remember to join our BLUE JAYS on ROUNDTABLE community, which is FREE! You can post your own thoughts, in text or video form, and you can engage with our Roundtable staff, as well as other Blue Jays fans. If prompted to download the Roundtable APP, that’s free too!
