The Toronto Blue Jays lost Bo Bichette in free agency to the New York Mets, but it appears the decision was made a long time ago.
Bichette had said he wanted to spend his entire career with the Blue Jays. But that didn’t happen as he inked a three-year, $126 million deal with the Mets. Although Bichette did say he wanted to return, Blue Jays insider Rosie DiManno of The Toronto Star reported that Bichette grew resentful towards Toronto and didn’t want to return.
“Though he rarely revealed his innermost thoughts, grown more reserved over the years, there were occasions when he disclosed deep anger toward the organization and bitter disappointment. I think he came to somewhat resent being the lesser golden boy to Guerrero’s generational superstar and franchise bulwark,” DiManno wrote.
“Of wildly different temperaments, they didn’t even seem very close any more, just mouthing the platitudes. And any misgivings about the Jays — his place in their orbit — would certainly have reinforced skepticism toward an executive cabal so apparently phlegmatic about locking him in.”
If DiManno is accurate, it appears Bichette knew a long time ago that he wasn’t coming back to Toronto. Perhaps that is why the Blue Jays went after Kyle Tucker and ended up signing Kazuma Okamoto.
Bichette is a two-time MLB All-Star.
Bichette Issued Heartfelt Message to Blue Jays Fans
After Bichette was introduced by the Mets, the star infielder spoke to Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi about his decision.
Bichette also issued a message to Blue Jays fans as he was thankful for everything.
“Thank you, thank you for all the support,” Bichette said to Shi Davidi. “You guys mean a lot to me, Toronto will always be in my heart. I guess I’ll see you guys in June.”
Bichette, meanwhile, did confirm the Blue Jays did show interest. But he felt like it was clear he needed to sign with the Mets.
“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.”
Bichette will be playing third base for the Mets in 2026 and will be an impact hitter for the team.
Bichette Reveals Key Factor for Signing With Mets
Although the Blue Jays lost in Game 7 of the World Series, Bichette said he signed with the Mets to win.
Bichette felt like the Mets gave him the best chance to win and likes how the team is built.
“My first priority is winning. And obviously this organization is doing everything that they can to do that,” Bichette said at the press conference. “The roster is great, like I said. And then just playing in front of fans like this is a pretty cool opportunity. I’m excited to get out there. …
“It was very obvious that I wanted to be a Met,” Bichette added. “Mr. (Steve) Cohen and David (Stearns) have put together an organization that is looking to win every single year, has an opportunity to win a World Series every single year, and a roster that backs that up.”
Bichette led the AL in hits twice.
Blue Jays Get Stunning News on Bo Bichette Following Mets Signing