Bo Bichette has demonstrated impressive form in the 2025 season, giving the Toronto Blue Jays reason to consider a significant contract extension as his current deal nears its final stages. The 27-year-old shortstop enters a key phase of his career having slashed .297/.338/.456 with 13 home runs and an OPS+ of 118 as of early August, solidifying his status as a vital contributor to the team’s success.
Leading the league with 141 hits, Bichette appears set to claim this title for the third time in seven years. He also tops the American League in hitting with runners in scoring position (.381), leads all AL shortstops in RBIs, and ranks fourth among them with a 48.7 hard-hit percentage. These achievements emphasize how critical Bichette is to Toronto’s offensive efforts.
Early Career Challenges and Contract Delays
Earlier in 2024, the Blue Jays hesitated to present Bichette with a long-term extension, partly due to his struggles with injuries and a disappointing -0.3 bWAR over 81 games. Following a poor season, management prioritized locking in Vladdy Guerrero Jr. first, leaving Bichette’s future unsettled. Now, with Bo back at peak performance, Toronto’s front office faces the challenge of determining his true market value.
Competitive Market Fuels Bo Bichette Toronto Contract Offer
With free agency approaching, Bichette is expected to command a salary far exceeding $200 million, potentially approaching $300 million if his hot streak continues. He will enter the marketplace as the best shortstop available, competing with players like Trevor Story, Ha-Seong Kim, Orlando Arcia, Miguel Rojas, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Amed Rosario, who all face different contract situations such as opt-outs and club options this offseason.
Since the All-Star break, Bichette has arguably been the top hitter in the American League, batting .385 and driving in 21 RBIs, both leading the league. His contributions during this stretch have increased his leverage in contract negotiations significantly.
Bo Bichette has been on a tear since the MLB All-Star break ð¤ðº: Blue Jays vs. Rockies coverage begins TONIGHT at 8pm ET on Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/FeaJTXVbHUâ Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 5, 2025
Benchmark Salaries and Contract Comparisons Among Elite Shortstops
The highest-paid shortstop currently is Francisco Lindor, who earns $34 million annually under a 10-year, $341 million contract signed in 2022 at age 28—right around the age Bichette will be during Spring Training 2026. Other shortstops with contracts over $300 million include Fernando Tatis Jr., Corey Seager, and Trea Turner, while Bobby Witt Jr. is nearing that mark with his $288 million deal signed at age 23.
Bichette’s statistical profile aligns well with these players. He boasts a better career bWAR than Seager (20.2 vs. 17.5), trails Lindor in hits (108 vs. 158 home runs) and RBIs (417 vs. 474), and holds a higher OPS+ (120 to Lindor’s 115). Though Bichette’s on-base percentage, slugging, and overall OPS lag behind some peers, he has played more games than Turner and Seager but fewer than Lindor, underscoring his durability and consistent presence.
Potential Contract Outcomes and Market Dynamics
Bichette’s agents are likely to push for a contract surpassing $300 million, but the market presents both supporting and opposing comparables making such a deal uncertain. Major-market suitors like the Dodgers or Yankees could ignite a bidding war, significantly driving his price upward. Otherwise, a deal in the same range as recent contracts for players like Willy Adames or Dansby Swanson appears more likely. Adames signed a seven-year, $182 million contract, while Swanson secured a seven-year pact for $177 million.
Given Bichette’s age entering free agency, teams may offer him a 6- to 8-year contract averaging around $28 million annually, which is higher than Adames’ and Swanson’s deals but below Carlos Correa’s six-year, $200 million contract with a $33 million average annual value. This range would reflect a balanced and competitive offer consistent with the current shortstop market.
Implications of the $224 Million Contract Proposal on Toronto’s Future
A top-tier deal worth approximately $224 million could extend Bichette’s tenure in Toronto through his age-36 season, aligning with contract durations typical for elite shortstops. This contract value fits within the Blue Jays’ financial flexibility, considering significant payroll reductions expected over the next two seasons.
Committing to Bichette would maintain Toronto’s momentum and sustain their offensive production as they chase postseason success. Whether he ultimately becomes the next shortstop to surpass the $300 million milestone remains uncertain, but this offer positions the Blue Jays competitively to retain an integral player during a pivotal period for their franchise.