Blue Jays Preparing for Life After Bichette?
The Blue Jays locked up Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with a long-term extension, but Bo Bichette’s future in Toronto looks increasingly uncertain.
Bichette, who signed a three-year, $33 million extension in 2023, is set to hit free agency after this season. Unlike with Guerrero, there’s been no buzz about an imminent extension for the two-time AL hits leader.
What’s telling is how the Blue Jays are positioning themselves. In a recent projection of Toronto’s lineup three years from now, FanSided’s Edward Eng predicted Bichette would be gone, with Andrés Giménez taking over at shortstop.
“The Jays’ acquisition of Giménez from the Cleveland Guardians led to some head scratching from the fan base,” wrote Eng. “The Blue Jays already had a boatload of MLB-ready infielders at their disposal that could play second and/or third base. But that’s a move done with the future in mind as much as the present. Specifically when Bo Bichette leaves the franchise as a free agent after the end of the season.”
The Giménez acquisition suddenly makes more sense through this lens. He’s under contract through 2029 with a $23 million club option for 2030. While primarily a second baseman, he’s made 72 starts at shortstop in his career and has three Gold Gloves to his name. He could easily slide over to shortstop full-time if needed.
Toronto also has shortstop insurance in their farm system. Arjun Nimmala, the organization’s top prospect, profiles as a potential shortstop of the future. This gives the Blue Jays flexibility to keep Giménez at second if they prefer.
Bichette is off to a strong start this season and has expressed his desire to continue playing alongside Guerrero long-term. The question is whether Toronto will pony up the lucrative contract he’ll command on the open market.
The free agent shortstop market tends to get expensive quickly, and several teams will likely pursue Bichette aggressively. Toronto doesn’t have a great track record of winning bidding wars for premium free agents, which is why they’re smartly preparing contingency plans.
