Atkins Optimistic About Extending Bichette: What This Means for the Jays’ Future

The Toronto Blue Jays recently secured a long-term deal with star player Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for 14 years, and now, the focus shifts to his teammate, Bo Bichette. General Manager Ross Atkins is optimistic about keeping Guerrero and Bichette together, emphasizing their importance to the team’s future.

Bichette has expressed his desire to stay with the Blue Jays. He dreams of winning a championship alongside Guerrero and has voiced that goal in the past. Recently, he acknowledged that there weren’t any current discussions about a contract extension, but this comment came just before the announcement of Guerrero’s deal.

Both players are set to become free agents in 2025. With Guerrero’s future now secured, the Blue Jays are likely to turn their attention to Bichette.

The 27-year-old shortstop has had quite a journey. He’s been an All-Star twice and has generated MVP votes in three seasons. Since his debut in 2019, he has a .299 batting average—a solid accomplishment as he established himself as a key player.

However, the 2024 season was rocky for Bichette. He struggled early on, hitting just .237 before landing on the injured list with a calf strain. After a brief return, another injury struck, and he ended up with a career-low .225 average. Despite these setbacks, he showed promise in spring training, boasting a .373 average with significant power.

Current performance suggests a rebound. In the early stages of the regular season, Bichette is hitting .291 and making hard contact. If he continues this strong start, it could pave the way for contract discussions to progress.

In the world of sports contracts, timing is everything. A strong performance can significantly bolster a player’s market value. Bichette could command a substantial deal if he returns to his previous form, especially as he approaches the 2025 free agency.

From a financial perspective, the Blue Jays are well-positioned to extend Bichette, even after committing to Guerrero. With several players, including Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt, set to leave next season, the team’s payroll is expected to decrease by roughly $64.5 million, giving them breathing room to negotiate a deal with Bichette.

As it stands, Bichette’s combination of talent and position makes him a desirable player for any team. The upcoming months will be crucial for him and the Blue Jays as they aim to sign him and solidify their core for the future.

If you want more insights into MLB contracts and financial strategies, check this FanGraphs report.

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