As the MLB 2025 season reaches unprecedented levels of intensity, a variety of trade talks have captured the attention of sports fans worldwide. The Toronto Blue Jays are one of these teams that is making the most noise. They have been considering free agency this winter, despite having nearly finished the purchases they had planned to make. They have managed to keep Vladimir Guerrero Jr. by extending his contract for a massive $500 million, only to find themselves in a position that casts a shadow of doubt on one of their stars. Guessed the name yet?
We are talking about the Blue Jays’ shortstop, Bo Bichette, who was expected to pair up with Vladdy Jr. as he reaches free agency. Bichette, a $200 million candidate, is currently in a situation where his injuries and performance problems have raised some questions about his worth. MLB insider Jeff Passan also doubted his earning power, let alone his future with the Blue Jays this offseason.
Bo Bichette used to be a decorated player until the two-time All-Star posted a .225/.277/.322 slash line and only four home runs across the 81 games he played in 2024. The poor form continued as he managed to post a single home run, 16 RBIs at a .284 average with a .328 OBP and a .698 OPS. “The ability at Bo Bichette’s size to take the ball to the opposite field, over the fence, is a very rare quality for a shortstop… He had it and that part seems to have more or less disappeared,” Jeff Passan said during the Blair and Barker show.
“The ability at [Bo Bichette’s] size to take the ball to the opposite field, over the fence… very rare quality for a shortstop… he had it and that part seems to more or less disappeared.”@JeffPassan gauges Bo’s 2025 season and his market with @SNJeffBlair & Kevin Barker. pic.twitter.com/1hSk5lrW22
— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) May 9, 2025
And it’s true—his walk rate has gone under six percent, and at just 27 years, it looks like his glory days are over. Bichette’s hard-hit percentage has taken a major hit, dropping from 50 percent in 2022 to a mere 44 percent in 2024. Additionally, both the sprint speed and the ability to steal bases have significantly decreased. But that’s not all!
Bo Bichette has never been great at defense. Being an average fielder, Bichette has managed to post negative six outs that are above average and negative three defensive runs across the last three seasons. Not to forget that he dealt a major blow due to the injuries that have somewhat reduced his physical capability.
Although MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams projected Bo Bichette to fetch $200 million if he performs well or maybe $140 million if he is just average, the Blue Jays have also safeguarded a major loss by trading for Andres Gimenez ahead of free agency. Now it all depends on whether Bo Bichette makes a cut or not in case Toronto puts an offer on his table. Do you think that will be possible?
Bo Bichette opens up on the extension of his contract
Well, looking at the current scenario, the Toronto Blue Jays and Bo Bichette don’t seem to be on the same page. In response to a question about whether he had any conversations about his contract being extended, Bichette denied having any. “No, we haven’t had any talks, but from my perspective, we all grow up wanting to be one of those guys who has an opportunity to stay with an organization for their entire career.” He, though, expressed his interest in being with an organization for a longer time period.
Bichette further said, “I’m just focused on what I’ve got to do this year to help the team win and be the best version of myself. What happens will happen,” putting focus on being himself and trying his best, hoping the results will fall in place automatically. But it also cannot be denied that it might be a massive bet for the Blue Jays, especially after extending Vladimir Guerrero Jr for a hefty amount.
But the same cannot be stated about Bo Bichette, who, once a top prospect, had been struggling with the metrics for quite some time. However, everything’s not over for the shortstop, as there are teams that are eyeing him, for example, the New York Yankees, who are looking to get him for the post-2025 season.
We all have to wait to see what fate holds for Bo Bichette at the moment. Till then, stay tuned with us for the latest updates.
The post Blue Jays Star’s $200M Market Projection Taking Hit as Major Concern Casts Huge Doubt Ahead of Free Agency appeared first on EssentiallySports.