The Toronto Blue Jays have already locked in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a historic 14-year deal, planting him firmly as the backbone of their team’s future. Now, general manager Ross Atkins has expressed hope that Bo Bichette, the Blue Jays’ talented shortstop, will be next in line for a long-term extension.
“We’re committed to seeing if we can line things up,” Atkins told Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae. “Our vision is for Guerrero and Bichette to continue playing side by side.”
A Duo Rooted in Loyalty and Ambition
Both Bichette and Guerrero debuted for the Jays in 2019 and have since built an undeniable chemistry on the field. Bichette, in particular, hasn’t been shy about his wish to remain in Toronto alongside Guerrero. “My ultimate goal is to play with Vladdy forever, win a championship with him, and do that with this organization,” Bichette said last year.
While extension talks are not yet active, there’s renewed optimism now that Guerrero’s deal is finalized. The potential for Bichette to secure a long-term deal may depend on how his 2025 season unfolds.
Bichette’s Journey and 2024 Struggles
Despite boasting a career .299/.340/.487 line from 2019 to 2023, Bichette stumbled during the injury-riddled 2024 season. A series of setbacks—including calf strains and a broken finger—led to his worst statistical year, closing with a batting line of .225/.277/.322. These challenges may have caused hesitation for both sides to pursue a long-term agreement previously.
Still, Bichette’s potential is undeniable. A strong start to the 2025 season—with a .291 batting average and exceptional contact metrics so far—is a promising indicator that last year was an outlier rather than a trend.
Can the Jays Afford Bichette?
From a financial perspective, extending Bichette seems feasible. With Guerrero secured for the long haul, the Jays will clear significant payroll space as Max Scherzer, Chris Bassitt, and Chad Green reach free agency after the 2025 season. Even accounting for arbitration raises, the Jays are estimated to have considerable flexibility in their 2026 budget.
If Bichette rebounds to his pre-2024 form, he could command a lucrative deal on the free-agent market. Given his age (he’ll hit free agency before turning 28), his upside remains highly attractive to big-spending teams.
What’s Next for Bichette?
Both the Jays and Bichette have valid reasons for moving toward an extension. Toronto needs to secure a core of elite players to remain competitive in the highly competitive American League East. Meanwhile, Bichette has a chance to reset his value with a strong 2025 season, which could bolster negotiations or free-agent offers.
Danby Swanson-style comparisons have circulated online, suggesting a potential $200 million range for Bichette. However, with a bounce-back season, his contract could fall closer to Francisco Lindor or Trea Turner territory.
Final Thoughts
Signing Bichette to a long-term deal isn’t just about his individual performance but also about the broader vision of continuity within the team. Securing one of MLB’s best shortstops ensures stability for the Blue Jays, bolsters fan enthusiasm, and strengthens their pursuit of a championship.
Toronto’s decision to extend Guerrero was clear-cut. Extending Bichette is more complicated but no less important in sustaining the team’s competitive edge.
