The Toronto Blue Jays face the looming reality of seeing their two franchise cornerstones walk after the 2025 season.
All-Stars Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette are both entering their contract years, and the Blue Jays have yet to secure extensions with either player.
Toronto failed to reach a deal with Guerrero at his self-imposed deadline of spring training’s first day, with reports indicating the two sides remained approximately $50 million apart. Guerrero has, however, left the door open for continued negotiations.
Bichette’s situation appears even more uncertain. The shortstop revealed to reporters last month that extension talks to remain in Toronto haven’t materialized, particularly concerning after his injury-marred 2024 campaign.
“No, we haven’t had any talks, but from my perspective, we all grow up wanting to be one of those guys that has an opportunity to stay with an organization for their entire career,” Bichette told MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson. “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. Whatever happens will happen.”
While the Blue Jays’ plans to sign or potentially trade their stars remain unclear, one MLB insider believes the New York Yankees are positioning themselves to capitalize on Toronto’s uncertainty.
MLB insider predicts New York Yankees will sign Blue Jays All-Star infielder
The Athletic’s Jim Bowden delivered a bold projection for next offseason: the Yankees will sign Bichette.
“Bo Bichette signs a five-year, $147 million deal to play third base for the Yankees,” Bowden predicts.
The Yankees currently face instability at third base, turning to Oswaldo Cabrera as their Opening Day starter while Jazz Chisholm Jr. shifts back to second. The team had hoped to rely on D.J. LeMahieu, but his left calf strain landed him on the injured list to begin the season.
During the offseason, the Yankees reportedly offered pitcher Marcus Stroman to the St. Louis Cardinals for eight-time All-Star Nolan Arenado to fill their hot corner void, but were rebuffed.
Bichette, a two-time All-Star shortstop who has never played third in his MLB career, aims to rebound after calf injuries limited him to just 81 games in 2024. The injuries clearly affected his performance as he managed just four home runs with a paltry .598 OPS and well-below average 71 OPS+.
Over six seasons in Toronto, Bichette has established himself as an offensive force, hitting 93 home runs and 146 doubles while posting a .798 OPS and 119 OPS+. He’s also led the American League in hits twice, showcasing his consistent bat-to-ball skills.
