The Toronto Blue Jays got some damning news in their pursuit of keeping Bo Bichette.
Bichette is one of the top free agents available, and several teams, including the Blue Jays, are interested in signing him. However, some other teams are interested in Bichette, including Toronto’s heated AL East rival, the Boston Red Sox.
Red Sox insider Alex Speier of The Boston Globe claimed Boston isn’t just interested in Bichette, but he’s considered a primary target of the team.
“With (Willson) Contreras in the fold, the Sox continue to pursue another infield bat,” Speier wrote on Sunday. “According to major league sources, the team’s primary targets remain fairly consistent: Free agent infielders Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette, as well as trade candidates Ketel Marte (Diamondbacks) and Isaac Paredes (Astros).
“Aside from Marte, who is a switch-hitter, all are right-handed. There are additional alternatives on both the trade and free agent markets, but to date, that group of five occupies the front-burner pursuits.”
If Boston truly is this interested in Bichette, it would be a tough blow to the Blue Jays, as seeing Bichette leave for a divisional rival would be a tough pill to swallow.
So, perhaps the Blue Jays will look to get something done soon with Bichette to ensure he doesn’t sign with a divisional rival.
Blue Jays Owner Hints at Bichette Reunion
Toronto made it to the World Series last season, and the Blue Jays are looking to build off that.
The Blue Jays have been aggressive this offseason, but Toronto needs to add a bat or two. Bichette remains a top target, and Blue Jays owner Edward Rogers hinted at a reunion with the star shortstop.
“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.”
Toronto has also been linked to the likes of Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman, as the Blue Jays are looking to field a competitive team.
“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 has the seventh-best odds of winning the World Series.
Bichette Will Get Lucrative Deal in Free Agency
Bichette is one of the top free agent hitters available and should be able to get a lucrative deal.
The Blue Jays are one of many teams interested in Bichette, who could get around the $150-200 million mark. ESPN MLB insider Kiley McDaniel predicted Bichette would sign a five-year, $130 million deal.
“There’s also a chance Bichette’s market takes a turn similar to Bregman’s last winter, toward a shorter term with opt-outs (two or three years, roughly a $30 million AAV) if he doesn’t get the giant guarantee he’s looking for,” McDaniel wrote. “This has a real chance to happen because Bichette could hit the market in his 20s next winter. And a full, healthy 2026, maybe even with better defense, would really help his case for a big long-term deal.”
Bichette has led the AL in hits twice.
Blue Jays Get Damning News on Bo Bichette As Rival Showing Major Interest