Speculation continues about Bo Bichette’s free agency prospects, with MLB analyst Chris Rose and former MLB player Trevor Plouffe highlighting doubts about whether the Toronto Blue Jays will offer him a long-term deal. Despite Bichette’s strong performance since his 2019 debut, the Blue Jays recently committed to a lengthy, $500 million extension for Vladimir Guerrero Jr., signaling potential shifts in their roster strategy.
During a recent episode of Baseball Today, questions arose about what shape Bichette’s upcoming contract negotiations might take, especially given the Blue Jays’ apparent hesitation to prioritize him.
“It’s a curious one for sure,” Plouffe said (Timestamp 31:16). “I think he’s [Bo Bichette] going to obviously get a qualifying offer from the Blue Jays, then go out and, you know, sell himself to the other teams.”
Plouffe emphasized concerns over Bichette’s defensive skills and suggested he may need to be open to playing third base to increase his market value during free agency.
“25 a year. So we’re looking somewhere like 5/125, but I don’t know who’s going to give him that,” Plouffe said (Timestamp 31:57). Like the Braves (NL East Team), obviously, everyone talks about them and their need for a shortstop. So they’re an answer.
I don’t know if the Blue Jays up him. They kind of have guys ready to take over, whether it’s, well, it’s Jimenez could do it, like an Ernie Clement, you know. They have guys there, and they could reallocate that money somewhere else. I don’t think the Blue Jays are in play here anymore,” he added.
Additionally, Plouffe expressed skepticism about teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees pursuing Bichette, noting that while the Yankees’ current shortstop Anthony Volpe has faced criticism, Bichette does not represent a clear defensive upgrade.
Chris Rose Doubts Bo Bichette’s Chances for a $200 Million+ Deal
Shortstop is arguably the most valuable position in Major League Baseball, often leading to blockbuster contracts for elite players. Recent examples include Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals, who secured an 11-year, $288.7 million extension after just two seasons, demonstrating the high contract potential for young shortstops.
Similarly, Baltimore Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson is anticipated to command a substantial contract in free agency. However, Chris Rose remains doubtful that Bichette, who will be 28 years old entering free agency, will reach that financial tier.
“When you mention 28-year-old shortstop, that automatically, you’re thinking 200 million, and that’s not going to happen,” Rose said [Timestamp 33:29]. “I think you assessed it pretty well. I would say five for 125 is a number that would be, but I wonder if it’s a team that is going to overpay for him.”
Market evaluations from Spotrac suggest Bichette could be in line for a seven-year contract worth about $147.9 million. This estimate falls short of the $177 million, seven-year deal that Dansby Swanson secured, despite their comparable ages.
Implications for Bo Bichette and Interested MLB Teams
Bo Bichette’s free agency appears complex, with the Blue Jays unlikely to aggressively pursue an expensive extension given their internal depth, including players like Alek Manoah Jimenez and Ernie Clement who might fill in. Meanwhile, interest from National League East teams such as the Atlanta Braves remains possible due to their shortstop needs, though no firm offers have materialized publicly.
The limited enthusiasm from high-profile contenders like the Dodgers and Yankees may keep Bichette’s contract within mid-range territory, rather than the massive deals seen by comparable young shortstops. How Bichette adapts defensively and positions himself in negotiations will likely influence the offers he receives.
With the free agency period approaching, Bo Bichette’s situation reflects shifting team priorities and the balancing act between offensive upside and defensive capability at one of MLB’s premium positions.