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Blue Jays Suggested to Replace Bo Bichette With 5-Time All-Star Shortstop

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 6:38 AM ET

In WFAN radio host Sal Licata’s ideal world, the sight of New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor grounding into a season-ending double play will mark the veteran All-Star’s final game in Queens.

Speaking Monday in the immediate aftermath of the Mets’ latest collapse, Licata proposed the Mets trade Lindor this offseason. Lindor, who turns 32 in November, hit .267 with 31 home runs, 86 RBIs, 35 doubles, and 31 stolen bases, though it wasn’t enough to lead the Mets back to the playoffs.

The Mets potentially making Lindor available might be excellent news for the Toronto Blue Jays. In fact, Licata named the Blue Jays as a perfect fit for Lindor if pending free agent Bo Bichette signs elsewhere.

“Maybe they go bite instead of trying to get a free agent to go there,” Licata suggested. “They take on that contract of Lindor.”

The 27-year-old Bichette batted .311 with 18 home runs, 94 RBIs, 44 doubles, and an .840 OPS. The two-time All-Star provided the Blue Jays with 3.4 bWAR, a significant improvement over last year’s -0.3 mark.

Should the Blue Jays Trade for Francisco Lindor?

Any discussions regarding a possible Lindor trade must start with his contract. Lindor has six years left on his deal and is owed nearly $32.5 million every season. He also has a full no-trade clause and will receive $50 million in deferred money from 2032-41.

“You could get something back for him, or at least get rid of that contract and invest that money elsewhere,” Licata said.

Licata added that he would rather have first baseman Pete Alonso instead of keeping Lindor or outfielder Brandon Nimmo. Alonso announced Sunday that he intends to opt out of his contract, though he hasn’t ruled out returning to the Mets.

The 32-year-old Nimmo has five seasons, all with a $20.5 million yearly salary, remaining on his deal. We likely won’t see Alonso in Toronto, given Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s presence at first base and several veterans, such as Anthony Santander or George Springer, who make sense as full-time DH options in 2026.

For now, Bichette remains questionable for the ALDS as he recovers from a left knee sprain. The Blue Jays can address their shortstop situation when their offseason officially starts, though we imagine they’d rather hold off on those discussions for a few more weeks.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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