After Blue Jays boost rotation, will attention turn to 'No. 1 priority?'

With the Toronto Blue Jays landing one of the biggest pitching names on the free-agent market, will the team shift gears toward what one MLB insider calls "the No. 1 priority?"

On Wednesday, Toronto inked right-hander Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million deal, boosting a rotation that already secured former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber this offseason. Now the Blue Jays may be turning their attention back to keeping a key member of their lineup.

According to MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand, re-signing Bo Bichette is "probably still the No. 1 priority for Toronto" this offseason, even with free agents such as Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker available. The 27-year-old Bichette has spent his entire seven-year MLB career in Toronto, posting an OPS+ of 121 (100 is considered league average) in 748 games with the Blue Jays. Last season, Bichette eclipsed that, logging an OPS+ of 129 while slashing .311/.357/.483 in 628 plate appearances.

Bichette totaled 181 hits in 2025, marking the fourth time in the last five years he has logged 175 or more hits in a season, leading the American League in hits in 2021 and 2022.

After being placed on the injured list on Sept. 9 with a left knee sprain, Bichette returned to the Blue Jays lineup for the World Series. In the seven-game Fall Classic, Bichette reminded Toronto just how valuable he is, slashing .348/.444/.478 in 27 plate appearances.

MLB Trade Rumors predicts Bichette to sign an eight-year, $208 million deal this offseason. 

While Bichette is the team's top priority, it's not the only place the Blue Jays are looking to acquire talent. According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, Toronto is also looking to boost its bullpen. Per Heyman, the Blue Jays are "a potentially serious player" for a closer like Edwin Díaz or Robert Suarez.