The Toronto Blue Jays are very much hoping they will be able to retain free agent Bo Bichette, who is one of the best infielders available across MLB, and is expected to land a $200 million+ contract this offseason. MLB’s hot stove season always features some wild reports, and there have been plenty regarding Bichette.

One recent one by JP Morosi of MLB Network indicated that the Braves could be the top suitor for Bichette if the Blue Jays signed Kyle Tucker first. However, the Braves signed Ha-Seong Kim to a one-year, $20 million deal on Monday, which improves the Blue Jays’ chances of retaining Bichette.

More MLB on Heavy: Blue Jays Sign Former Mets, Giants 1.98 ERA Reliever to $37 Million Deal

Blue Jays Get Positive Bo Bichette News After Ha-Seong Kim Signing

In terms of the shortstop market this offseason, it is a super thin cast of options. Bo Bichette is easily the best available player to be signed, but Ha-Seong Kim was thought to be right after Bichette in the rankings. After Kim, the next best option is Isiah Kiner-Falefa, so whoever signs Bo Bichette will certainly win the offseason at the shortstop position.

With the Atlanta Braves signing Ha-Seong Kim, that takes one team (presumably) out of the sweepstakes to land Bo Bichette, which benefits the Blue Jays’ chances.

GettyBlue Jays owner sends clear message to Bo Bichette.

The Bo Bichette market has been very slow to start this offseason, as there’s been no real rumors or reports that indicate who the frontrunner may be. Aside from the Blue Jays and Braves, other teams thought to be in the running include the Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, and Baltimore Orioles.

The American League East has been extremely active this offseason, and it’s not crazy to think the Blue Jays’ rival in either the Red Sox or Orioles wouldn’t want to swoop in and poach away Bo Bichette.

More MLB on Heavy: Braves Bo Bichette Pursuit Takes a Hit After Ha-Seong Kim News

Bo Bichette’s Free Agency Outlook

Bo Bichette has many things to offer to whatever team ends up landing him, especially with the bat. He hit .311 with 44 doubles, 18 home runs, and 94 RBIs in 139 games last season.

He sprained his left knee at the end of the season, which kept him out until the World Series, but that is not expected to affect his availability to start the 2026 season.

The 27-year-old infielder has one flaw in his game, and it’s his defensive ability. Many analysts believe that Bichette may be headed for a positional change, as his defensive metrics at shortstop are not good. However, that has not seemed to hinder his market value.

The Winter Meetings have now come and gone, and it will be interesting to see how much Bichette draws out his free agency before making a decision. The Blue Jays have essentially been linked to every free agent, but Morosi’s report about Toronto not re-signing Bo Bichette based on whether Kyle Tucker signs isn’t entirely wrong.

It’s hard to believe that the Blue Jays would be able to land Tucker and retain Bichette.