The Toronto Blue Jays have been very active this offseason, but the team could see Bo Bichette sign elsewhere.
Toronto signed Japanese free agent slugger Kazuma Okamoto, which could mean the team doesn’t bring back Bichette. After the Okamoto signing, MLB analysts Will Laws and Nick Selbe of Sports Illustrated predicted Bichette would leave the Blue Jays and sign with the Chicago Cubs.
“Bichette re-established his value after a disastrous 2024 season in which injuries cost him 81 games and most of his productivity,” the article read. “Before the 2025 playoffs, he had never played any position other than shortstop at the major league level, but perhaps it’s time for a permanent move to second base after years of ranking near the bottom in most defensive metrics at shortstop.
“Bichette’s contact-heavy approach should enable him to age gracefully, and the fact that he’s hitting the open market on the right side of 30 should ensure a big payday. Recent rumors have linked Bichette to a wide array of contenders, including the Cubs, Phillies and Yankees, who would presumably trade their incumbent second basemen if they can convince Bichette to sign. New prediction: Cubs.”
Bichette joining the Cubs would be a surprise, as the team hasn’t shown too much interest in him. But Chicago could look to add him to bolster its lineup and compete in the NL.
Cubs Have Shown Interest in Bichette
Bichette’s free agency has been intriguing as it has been relatively quiet, but some teams have checked in.
MLB insider Jon Heyman of The New York Post reported that the Cubs did check in on Bichette, but how serious its interest is is uncertain.
“Three previously unreported teams have checked on superstar Bo Bichette: Yankees, Dodgers, and Cubs. The Yankees and Cubs are fielding inquiries on their star 2B who are free agent after 2026 (Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Nico Hoerner),” Heyman wrote.
If the Cubs do trade Hoerner, it would open a spot for Bichette at second base, as he is reportedly open to changing positions.
Bichette is a two-time All-Star and has led the AL in hits twice.
Blue Jays Interested in Bichette
Although Toronto has been aggressive in signing other players, the team remains interested in signing Bichette.
Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said the team has the flexibility to add, due to the support from ownership.
Meanwhile, a Toronto restaurant, Animl Steakhouse, offered Bichette free steak for life. Bichete said the restaurant is his favorite steakhouse in Toronto.
“Dear Bo Bichette. Toronto suits you,” the restaurant posted a letter on Instagram. “The city, the energy, the fans – it all feels right, much like a perfectly cooked steak. At Animl, we believe in commitments that last — the craft, the core, and the city we call home.
“In that spirit, we ask you to re-sign with the Toronto Blue Jays — and consider this our promise: Steaks for life on us. No negotiations. No fine print. Just a standing reservation at our table. Stay in Toronto. We’ll handle dinner, you bring home the hardware. Sincerely, Your favorite restaurant, Animl Steakhouse & Cocktail Den.”
Bichette has spent his entire career with the Blue Jays.
Bo Bichette Predicted to Spurn Blue Jays for Out Of The Blue NL Team