The Toronto Blue Jays front office will have a lot on their hands this offseason when Bo Bichette hits free agency. The star shortstop is set to enter the open market when free agency opens in early November.
Bichette is currently dealing with a sprained knee and has had to miss out on the Blue Jays’ postseason run so far. Shortstops typically command hefty contracts in free agency, and it’s reasonable to expect the same for Bichette, who posted a career-high batting average of .311 this past season. Whichever team signs him is expected to improve immediately.
### Bo Bichette’s Free Agency Prediction
In MLB, some free agents take their time before deciding where to sign. In a recent Bleacher Report predictions piece, Bo Bichette was dubbed this year’s “Is He Ever Going to Sign?” free agent. The article noted:
> “It only takes one team to believe, of course, and only two teams to spark a bidding war. Perhaps Toronto, Boston and/or Atlanta goes all-in on Bichette as its plan at shortstop through 2030 and beyond.”
Shortstops tend to earn big contracts in MLB free agency. Players like Willy Adames, Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts, and Carlos Correa have all secured deals with an average annual value (AAV) exceeding $20 million.
According to Spotrac, Bo Bichette’s market value is around $186 million, with an AAV close to $23 million. While Bichette’s defense has dipped in recent years, his offensive production solidifies his value. He is a career .294 hitter with a career OPS+ of 121.
### Recent Performance and Stats
Bichette had a standout contract year despite being limited to just 81 games in 2024. However, he finished last season with a negative bWAR (-0.3). The 27-year-old is a two-time All-Star and has led the American League in hits twice in his career.
Although Bichette may not have the same power numbers as some other top shortstops, he strikes out significantly less than average. This season, he struck out only 91 times in over 580 at-bats.
### What’s Next for Bo Bichette: Positioning and Contracts
There is some uncertainty about where Bichette will play moving forward. Will he remain at shortstop, transition to second base, or even take on a designated hitter role? This ambiguity could contribute to Bichette taking his time on the market.
Bleacher Report writer Kerry Miller added insight on Bichette’s free agency situation:
> “But after months of a growing consensus online that Bichette could get as much as $200 million in free agency, what teams are actually willing to offer might be insultingly low, leading to a drawn-out saga on par with what Alonso and Bregman dealt with before signing short-term deals in February.”
A $200 million contract would be a massive commitment for a 27-year-old shortstop, likely involving a deal for 7+ years with an AAV near $25 million.
### Outlook on Bichette’s Free Agency
Bo Bichette’s free agency sweepstakes will be one of the biggest storylines in MLB this offseason, especially as he stands out as the top shortstop available on the market. Teams’ willingness to commit long-term and at a high value will shape the course of his next contract and possibly his on-field position. The wait for his decision promises to be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
https://heavy.com/sports/mlb/toronto-blue-jays/bo-bichette-free-agency-prediction/
