During a media set on at the Winter Meetings, Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins acknowledged that Bichette remains a central figure in the club’s offseason planning, though the front office is being careful not to tip its hand. When asked whether the team had initiated serious extension talks, Atkins replied that while the club had “not tipped its hand,” both Bichette and the Blue Jays “exist” in their plans moving forward.
This comes after the Blue Jays formally extended Bichette a one-year qualifying offer in early November, worth roughly US$22.05 million. Bichette, for the first time in his big-league career, elected to decline the offer — thereby entering free agency and giving himself the opportunity to explore long-term contracts either with Toronto or elsewhere.
Bichette’s 2025 season: resurgence and a statement
The decision by the Blue Jays to extend the qualifying offer reflects both respect for what Bichette has meant to the organization — and caution about committing long-term before understanding his full value on the open market.
Bichette delivered a strong bounce-back campaign in 2025. He slashed .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs, 94 RBIs and 44 doubles over 139 regular-season games — one of the best offensive performances of his career. After suffering a knee sprain in September, Bichette returned in time for the postseason and made an immediate impact in the 2025 World Series. During Game 7, he belted a three-run home run that for a moment seemed destined to be remembered as a defining moment for the franchise.
In the wake of the World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers — a bitter defeat in seven games — Bichette was asked about his future. His response was simple: “I want to be here.” That sentiment, combined with his on-field performance and history with the club, has fueled speculation that he could return to Toronto on a long-term deal.
The crossroads: Stay in Toronto — or test the market?
But the path forward is far from certain. Many league analysts believe that Bichette will ultimately sign elsewhere, viewing him as one of the most attractive available shortstops this offseason. The club appears to understand this — extending the qualifying offer protected them in case Bichette signs elsewhere by guaranteeing draft-pick compensation.
Still, some in the Toronto front office and fanbase believe a long-term reunion remains the most prudent move. A long-term deal would maintain continuity around core teammates — including franchise cornerstone Vladimir Guerrero Jr. — and avoid a disruptive rebuild at shortstop or second base. One former MLB general manager reportedly urged the club to offer Bichette a seven-year, US$189 million deal — an amount that, while substantial, would still leave room under the payroll to pursue other key offseason targets.
That said, Toronto’s offseason plans extend well beyond Bichette. The club has already added pitching depth, including the signing of right-hander Dylan Cease and international right-hander Cody Ponce. At the same time, they’re exploring the possibility of adding other high-impact players — potentially even trading away or re-assigning roles if Bichette departs.
Why this moment matters for the franchise
Bichette’s decision — and the Blue Jays’ response — carry weight far beyond a single offseason. At 27 years old, he remains in his prime, with All-Star credentials and a proven track record at the plate. Re-signing him would preserve a core of young, talented players and signal to fans and rivals alike that Toronto remains committed to building around internal talent rather than engaging in a full-scale rebuild.
But letting him test the market — or watching him sign with another club — would mark a turning point. It would require the Blue Jays to accelerate their search for a replacement, either via free agency, trade, or internal development. Given the club’s recent spending and roster retooling, the decision prior to free agency could affect how they allocate resources elsewhere (pitching, outfield, bullpen, etc.).
In essence, what happens with Bichette could define Toronto’s competitive window for years.
What to expect next
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At the Winter Meetings in Orlando, the Blue Jays will continue to explore their free-agent options — but sources inside the organization say Bichette remains “front and center.”
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Negotiations with Bichette could pick up in the coming days — if the club believes they can reach a long-term agreement in the ballpark of the rumored seven-year, $189 million deal.
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Alternatively, should Bichette balk or his asking price escalate, Toronto may shift focus to other impact players or begin repositioning the roster without him.
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For fans and analysts alike, one thing is clear: this offseason’s moves will echo through the next several seasons — and Bichette’s decision could be the fulcrum.
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