Star infielder Bo Bichette left the Toronto Blue Jays in free agency and signed with the New York Mets.
Bichette had been a star player for the Blue Jays for years, alongside his friend Vladimir Guerrero Jr., as the two were supposed to help Toronto win a World Series. Yet, after losing in Game 7 of the World Series, Bichette opted to sign with the Mets.
Following his introductory press conference, Bichette spoke to Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi and sent a heartfelt message to Blue Jays fans.
“Thank you, thank you for all the support,” Bichette said. “You guys mean a lot to me, Toronto will always be in my heart. I guess I’ll see you guys in June.”
Bichette played seven seasons in Toronto, as he led the AL in hits twice and was a key part of Toronto’s success.
The star infielder hit .311 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs last season with the Blue Jays.
Bichette Explains Decision to Leave Blue Jays
Although Bichette had said he wanted to spend his entire career with the Blue Jays, that will no longer happen.
Bichette said he wanted a chance to win and felt like the Mets gave him the best chance, as Toronto’s interest wasn’t massive.
“Vladdy is a brother for life, a friend for life,” Bichette said. “Always love him, (and) I value our friendship. Me and the Blue Jays were in touch all offseason. They showed interest, but at the end of the day, it became clear to me that this was the decision I needed to make.”
Despite Bichette not helping the Blue Jays win a World Series, he said he will always have fond memories of his time in Toronto.
“I’ll only have fond memories of my time with the Blue Jays,” Bichette added. “I’ll only have fond memories of the fans, they supported me so much. I will also remember my first at-bat in the World Series; they had my back, and they believed in me after not playing for that long.
“They were supporting me through that. I was open to it, and like I said, we had conversations throughout the offseason and it just didn’t pan out.”
Bichette missed the ALDS and ALCS due to an injury but returned for the World Series. In the World Series, he hit .311 with 1 home run and 6 RBIs.
Bichette Pens Farewell Letter to Toronto
Although Bichette did speak to Davidi, a Blue Jays reporter, he also penned a letter to Toronto.
Bichette began his MLB career in Toronto as he was drafted by the Blue Jays, and the star infielder wanted the fans to know how special the city is to him.
“Dear Blue Jays fans, If I wasn’t going to retire as a Blue Jay, then I’m grateful for Game 7,” Bichette wrote in a letter. “The moment we shared in that game was just one detail away from all I could have wished for us together. I could not wish more that I’d delievered you a Championship.
“I will carry your show of belief in me when I returned for the World Series for the rest of my life. Thank You. You watched me grow up. You lived with my ups and downs, you encouraged me anyway. Thank you. Toronto will forever be a piece of my heart. Love, Bo.”
Bichette is a two-time MLB All-Star.
Bo Bichette Sends Heartfelt Message to Blue Jays Fans After Signing With Mets