Heading into free agency, the million-dollar question is whether 27-year-old shortstop Bo Bichette has played his final game as a Toronto Blue Jay.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, who, as all baseball fans know, broke the Blue Jays’ hearts in Game 7 of this year’s World Series, are, according to different sources, being looked upon as favourites to sign the two-time All-Star free agent.
According to The Sporting Tribune publication, the Dodgers, who are of course known to be aggressive for going after free agent players, are currently listed as +250 odds at signing Bichette, who is coming off a solid but injury riddled regular season which saw him produce 181 hits, 78 runs, 18 home runs, 94 RBI’s and a .311 batting average despite missing the final seven weeks.
“Don’t be surprised if the Dodgers go big again,” a source told The Sporting Tribune. “They’ve made it clear they’re not satisfied with just two titles. They want to build a dynasty.”
If Bichette does come to the Dodgers, then it means that veteran Mookie Betts will once again be back in a familiar spot and that being the outfield.
After missing the final seven weeks of the season along with the ALDS and ALCS, a less than 100 percent healthy Bichette showed tremendous character by ignoring the pain and playing in the World Series where he had eight hits along with a home run and six RBI’s in 23 at bats against the Dodgers.
Besides the Dodgers, other teams rumored to being interested in Bichette include the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves and of course the Blue Jays who will do whatever they can to re-sign him.
Blue Jays fans should take comfort in that when Bichette was asked following that Game 7 heartbreak about re-signing with Toronto, this two-time Silver Slugger responded, “I want to be here.”
Dodgers Favored to Sign Shorstop Bo BichetteÂ
Blue Jays Offer Free Agent Shortstop Bichette Qualifying Offer
It was no surprise that on November 6th the Blue Jays offered free agent shortstop Bichette a one-year qualifying offer worth $22.025 million. Now the ball is in Bichette’s court as he has until November 18th to make his decision regarding whether to accept the offer or not.
Bichette, who along with all-star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. were considered blue-chip prospects when drafted by the Jays. Bichette was drafted in the 2016 draft, second round, 66th overall and along with Guerrero Jr. made headlines as they both dominated the minor leagues before finally making their debuts.
It wouldn’t be until 2021 when Bichette played his first full season and in the process quickly became a fan favorite as he produced 191 hits along with 121 runs, 29 home runs, 102 RBIs and 25 stolen bases in 159 games.
Including this past season, Bichette as a Blue Jay has played 749 games while producing 438 runs, 904 hits, 190 doubles, eight triples, 111 home runs, 437 RBI’s, 60 stolen bases and a .294 career batting average. During that first full season, Bichette’s accomplishments didn’t go unnoticed as he was voted to represent the AL in the 2021 mid-summer All-Star Game. Two years later, Bichette played in his second All-Star Game.
Another big acc0mplishment was that Bichette during the 2021 and 2022 seasons led the AL in hits. Obviously, it would be a crippling blow if the Jays lost this slugger to the Dodgers or any other team, for that matter.
Bichette Suffers Regular Season Ending Injury Against Yankees
Back on September 6th at Yankee Stadium Bichette suffered tremendous heartbreak as his regular season came to a pre-mature end.
During a crucial game against two American League East division foes, and with first place on the line, Bichette during the sixth inning of play was injured after crashing into Yankees catcher Austin Wells at the plate.
Following the collision, Bichette was favoring his left lower leg as he had assistance limping off the field. Unfortunately for Bichette and all Blue Jays fans the news wasn’t good as he sprained his left knee including his posterior ligament. he missed the season’s final seven weeks along with the ALDS and ALCS before coming back for the World Series.
A less than 100 percent Bichette told MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, “I’ll risk it all,” in terms of coming back to play not fully healthy.
Shortly after the Jays lost Game 7 of the World Series, Bichette was asked about the possibility of re-signing with Toronto to which he replied,
“I’ve said I want to be here from the beginning.”
Hearing that is like music to Blue Jays fans who will be glued to their televisions preying that Bichette re-signs with the Jays.
Main Image: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
