Toronto Blue Jays extend offer to free agent shortstop Bo Bichette amidst flurry of roster moves

For the 2026 season, the qualifying offer is worth $22.05 million.

Bichette has until Nov. 18 to accept the offer and play on that deal. Otherwise, he will enter unrestricted free agency for the first time.

The Blue Jays also announced several other moves on Thursday as they prepare their roster for the off-season.

Right-handers Nick Sandlin, Bowden Francis, Yimi Garcia, and Angel Bastardo were all activated from the 60-day injured list.

Meanwhile, the Jays outrighted right-handers Dillon Tate, Robinson Pina, and Ryan Burr off their 40-man roster.

Tate and Burr both elected free agency, while Pina will remain in the organization as minor league depth for the 2026 season.

Additionally, Toronto has selected the contract of catcher Brandon Valenzuela.

Robinson Pina, 27 made his big league debut earlier this year as a member of the Marlins.

Pina was traded from the marlins to the Blue Jays in exchange for minor league hurler Colby Martin, but made only one appearance for Toronto in 2025 with a 6.75 ERA in 1 1/3 innings of work.

He'll remain with the Blue Jays for 2026 as a depth option capable of pitching out of the bullpen or rotation as needed.

Bichette, 27, enjoyed an excellent 2025, hitting .311 with 18 homers, 94 RBIs and a .357 OBP before he sprained his left knee on Sept. 6 in a game against the New York Yankees after sliding into the catcher's shin guards at home plate.

Bichette returned in time for the World Series, hitting .348 and launching a three-run home run early in Game 7 that for a while seemed destined for franchise lore.

Afterward, he re-iterated his desire to stay in Toronto. Now, it's a reality.

Bichette has spent his entire seven-year career to date with the Blue Jays after debuting in 2019.

He rose the ranks in the minor leagues after being selected in the second round, 66th overall, in the 2016 draft.