Extending Bo Bichette should be the top priority this offseason for the Blue Jays

Bichette has also accumulated an .838 OPS and a 127 OPS+ and ranks in the 100th percentile with his .307 xBA. While his bat speed, barrel %, and chase % all sit below the 50th percentile mark, he ranks well with his xSLG (.489), xwOBA (.364), launch-angle sweet spot % (37.9), and his K% (14.5). Not everything has been rosy for the infielder, especially from a defensive standpoint (OAA = 1st percentile and a -13 DRS), but his bat is the calling card when it comes to extension talks and finding a major payday this winter.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan dove into Bichette’s pending free agency in a recent article, and he’s predicting that the Jays shortstop will sit above $250 million but below the $300 million Trea Turner locked down when he was a free agent. Xander Bogaerts nailed down $280 million from the Padres, and Bichette has the age difference in his favour, maybe providing a benchmark for the Florida product this winter.

Regardless of where Bichette’s value lands this winter, the Toronto Blue Jays need to prevent their star shortstop from hitting the open market. The Jays are a better team when Bichette is in their lineup, despite the defensive concerns, and his bat profile meshes well with the remainder of the lineup that features the likes of Guerrero, Springer, Kirk, Varsho, and eventually Anthony Santander.

As it currently stands, the Blue Jays’ payroll is slated to be at ~$207.44 million, which includes Bieber opting into his option worth $16 million. That gives the Jays some wiggle room when it comes to signing players in free agency and spending on extensions, especially if ownership is willing to spend again this winter. With the Jays performing well this season and a potential postseason run on the horizon, this might give the front office some additional run to spend, which would include an extension for their star shortstop and the raise he will get from the ~$18 million he is making this season.

The Blue Jays need to retain Bo Bichette this winter to help continue shaping the future of this franchise. While some names like Springer, Bassitt, and Gausman may find new ventures in the coming years, Bichette is another anchor point for this organization to build around, alongside Guerrero. This aligns well with a farm system that is producing some up-and-coming talent, such as Trey Yesavage, and some players looking for extended playing time in Addison Barger, Joey Loperfido, and a host of others.

Bo Bichette should be a Blue Jay for life; end of story. Getting his contract on the books should be the main priority this winter.