The Toronto Blue Jays could be considered closing in on signing a superstar free agent.
Toronto has been active this offseason and has been linked to Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette. Yet, it’s unlikely that the Blue Jays will land both of them, so Toronto may have to choose.
However, MLB insider and former GM Jim Bowden of The Athletic believes the Blue Jays are likely to sign Bichette.
“Bichette is only 27 and can play second base, shortstop or third base,” Bowden wrote. “He’s led the AL in hits twice already and is a really focused, hard-working player. … If the Blue Jays don’t sign Kyle Tucker, it is likely Bichette will return to Toronto (assuming he hasn’t signed by the time Tucker does). I also think he’d be a huge get for the Giants. Though many teams view him as a second or third baseman, his favorite position to play is shortstop.”
If the Blue Jays do sign Bichette, it would be a major boost to Toronto’s offseason. The Blue Jays have been active this offseason, focusing on pitching, so the team likely still needs to sign another bat.
Bichette is a two-time MLB All-Star. Last season, he hit .311 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs.
Bichette is Open to Moving to Second Base
With Bichette’s market not being as strong as thought, the star hitter is open to a position change.
Bichette has been a shortstop his entire career, but MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand reported that the Blue Jays star is open to shifting full-time to second base.
“According to sources, the two-time All-Star has let potential suitors know that he is ready, willing and able to move to second base, the position he played for the first time in his big-league career during this year’s World Series,” Feinsand wrote.
One MLB source told Feinsand that they believe Bichette’s camp has been made aware that teams don’t view him as a shortstop long-term.
“It seems like the message has gotten through to him that teams don’t view him as a shortstop in the long-term – or maybe even in 2026,” one source said. “His willingness to change positions can only help him in the market.”
Bichette’s bat likely fits better at second base, as his defense has sometimes been an issue at shortstop.
Blue Jays Owner Hints at Bichette Reunion
Toronto has focused on adding pitching this offseason, but it appears the Blue Jays are now looking at adding a bat.
Blue Jays owner Edward Rogers spoke recently and said he’d like to see Bichette return.
“Bo has been a part of this team throughout his career. It’s home for him. I’m hopeful we have the best, most competitive team we can,” Rogers said to Toronto Star’s Gregor Chisholm. “I’m not part of that decision-making. That’s (general manager) Ross (Atkins) and Mark. We’re working hard to try to figure that out.”
Rogers knows Bichette is a key part of the Blue Jays, and he wants the team to be as competitive as possible.
“I’d say what we saw through the playoffs was that Bo performed well through the World Series run,” Rogers said. “But so many of our players came up, and I find teams that have deep bonds, obviously the stars shine, but a lot of other people need to shine to be a competitive team and we have amazing depth.”
Toronto will open its 2026 MLB season on March 27.
