The top conversation around Toronto Blue Jays baseball right now revolves around free-agent shortstop Bo Bichette.

Bichette is arguably the top-hitting infielder available on the free-agent market. As expected, he recently declined the Blue Jays’ $22,025,000 qualifying offer for the 2026 season. Declining a qualifying offer is standard practice for elite players. This move allows Bichette to explore multiple long-term contract offers—most of which are expected to come with significant dollar figures and extended years.

Drafted by Toronto in 2016, Bichette has been a Blue Jay his entire professional career. He has spent that time developing into the club’s everyday shortstop while growing alongside franchise cornerstone Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and current manager John Schneider.

A two-time All-Star (2021, 2023), Bichette has provided substantial value on both sides of the ball. His continued development at the major-league level—and his proven postseason impact—makes him a potential X-factor for any club aiming to contend.

Bichette led MLB in hits in both 2021 (191) and 2022 (189). Before his injury in 2025, he was once again considered one of the best hitters in baseball. Even with the missed time, he finished the regular season with:

Bichette returned in time for the World Series, where he shifted to second base on short notice. He didn’t disappoint, producing a .348/.444/.478 postseason line with eight hits in 23 at-bats, six RBIs, and a massive home run in Game 7.

The Blue Jays know exactly who Bo Bichette is and what he means to the franchise. He has been a homegrown star with a refined offensive approach, elite bat-to-ball skills, and the ability to anchor the lineup alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

The key question moving forward is positional: Does Bichette return as the everyday shortstop, or does he see occasional time at second base? Given the contract size he is expected to command, the Blue Jays would almost certainly prefer to keep him at shortstop.

Toronto remains the favourite to re-sign Bichette, but AL East rivals—most notably the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox—are expected to monitor the situation closely. The Blue Jays will need to act quickly to secure a long-term deal and avoid a bidding war.