Free agent Bo Bichette has many suitors. Will the Blue Jays pony up to retain him?
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Now that Bo Bichette declined his qualifying offer, what is the next step for the Toronto Blue Jays?
The Blue Jays are bracing for a pivotal offseason, one that promises to reshape the landscape of their roster.
With several core players from their World Series run now entering free agency, the decisions made in the coming months will be crucial for the franchise's future.
Among the most significant names on the free agent market is Bo Bichette, whose impact on the team has been undeniable.
Now that Bichette officially declined his qualifying offer from the Blue Jays, if he decides to sign with another team, the Blue Jays will receive draft compensation.
That would hardly take the edge off a loss like Bichette, who will remain one of their top priorities this offseason.
General manager Ross Atkins is the first to agree that Bichette was a big part of the Blue Jays success in his tenure with the team, and made it clear at the GM meetings that he wants Bichette to be a part of the clubs future.
«A great player,» general manager Ross Atkins said at the GM Meetings. «Bo has been a significant part of us being in a strong position today. He's a reason that we're coming off of five solid seasons of baseball and one really, really good year of baseball. He's had a lot to do with it. I know he's going to be attractive to the market, and we'll be in his market.»
Shapiro and Atkins need to meet or exceed offers on Bo Bichette to retain him
Bichette's three-run home run off of Shohei Ohtani in game 7 of the World Series should've been a career defining moment and one of the biggest blasts in franchise history.
Dan Shulman on the call for Bo Bichette's three-run homer off Shohei Ohtani. 🎙️
However, because of the gut-wrenching way the Blue Jays lost in game 7 it has mostly been forgotten by Blue Jays fans.
I guarantee you the rest of the league hasn't forgotten now that he is a free agent.
Bichette has said time and time again that he wants to play the rest of his career in Toronto, chasing championships with his longtime friend and co-star Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Money talks and money almost always wins, but given the decade-long relationship between Bichette and this organization, the Blue Jays could hold a valuable tiebreaker here.
Atkins and Shapiro need to consider the big picture when negotiating with Bichette and his representation this offseason.
They likely have already decided how much they want to pay him annually, and for how long.
What they can't afford to do is stick too rigidly to these valuations if Bichette's market takes them to an uncomfortable place, they'll need to out of their comfort zone to re-sign the two-time all-star or risk losing one of the most beloved players in franchise history.
Free agents usually sign with the highest bidder, and that's what the Blue Jays need to be to retain his services
Previously on Blue Jays Central
| POLL | ||
2 HOURS AGO | 27 ANSWERS Free agent Bo Bichette has many suitors. Will the Blue Jays pony up to retain him? Will the Toronto Blue Jays meet or exceed other organizations offers on Bo Bichette? | ||
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