If it wasn’t already clear how crucial Bo Bichette is to the Toronto Blue Jays, it should be now. After a frustrating 2024 season that saw the team finish last in the AL East and Bichette limited to just 81 games, the two-time All-Star has bounced back in a big way.
Now fully healthy, Bichette looks like the dynamic shortstop Jays fans have come to expect, and the team is reaping the rewards of his resurgence.
With Bichette back to the top of his game, Blue Jays’ management has some big decisions looming as their star shortstop is set to hit the free agent market in the offseason.
Bo Bichette Back to All-Star Form For Blue Jays
Following a turbulent 2024 season filled with trade rumours and injury frustrations, Bichette is back to looking like one of the roster’s most consistent players.
Over the 81 games that Bichette played across the 2024 season, he accumulated just 70 hits, four home runs, and 31 RBIs, the lowest numbers of his career since the 2020 season, in which he played just 29 games.
In 2025, Bichette has convincingly surpassed each of those totals over just 72 games. As of June 18, 2025, Bichette has collected 82 hits (fourth among shortstops), nine home runs (tied for sixth among shortstops), and 42 RBIs (third among shortstops).
It is clear Bichette is healthy and, in turn, is back to being one of the best shortstops in baseball.
Bichette is a leader for the Blue Jays and one of the longest-tenured players on the roster. This is currently his seventh season with the team. Ever since being drafted in the second round of the 2016 MLB Draft, Bichette has been making an impact in Toronto and the Blue Jays organization. As the usual lead-off hitter and the two-time league leader in hits in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons, when Bichette is playing well, so are the Blue Jays.
But what sparked this resurgence for Bichette? The clear answer is health, as he seems to be back to full strength with no lingering issues. But another reason that could be contributing at least a bit to this great season is that he is due for a new contract following this season.
Rumours from last season that the Blue Jays could be open to trading Bichette have followed two parties into this season. However, new reports suggest that the Blue Jays have no intention of moving Bichette at this year’s deadline. That seems to be the right decision with the Blue Jays on a roll and in a Wild Card spot.
So the question is, will the Blue Jays extend their All-Star shortstop?
Bichette Extension Should Be Top Priority for Blue Jays
The Blue Jays have spent some big money to lock up some key guys lately, but Bichette’s services mustn’t get left behind. His productivity this season clearly warrants an extension.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. just signed a mammoth extension worth $500 million with the Blue Jays, and catcher Alejandro Kirk also agreed to a 5 year, $58 million contract that will kick in next season. Both contracts have paid dividends thus far, so what’s to say Bichette’s new deal won’t? Granted, it will cost a hefty price stage, but the Blue Jays’ everyday shortstop has done his part this season, proving his undeniable value to the ball club.
An offence that has just gotten back to form this season cannot afford to lose one of its most consistent contributors for nothing. If management plans to spend big on a replacement, why not dish that money out to their homegrown star? Anthony Santander was just given a 5-year, $92.5 million contract to join the Blue Jays from the Orioles, and that deal, although in its early stages, has been underwhelming.
There is no need to add from the outside if it means losing their all-star shortstop, who has worked hard to regain his elite form.
If the Blue Jays do not want to offer him the big bucks he deserves, management must understand that there will be a few teams that will. Bichette is critical to the Blue Jays’ success in this team’s short and long-term future. Resigning him this offseason should be priority number one.