Blue Jays Extend Qualifying Offer to Bo Bichette
The Toronto Blue Jays have offered Bo Bichette a one-year qualifying contract worth $22.025 million ahead of the Thursday 5 p.m. deadline to accept. If Bichette declines and signs elsewhere during free agency, the Blue Jays will receive a compensatory draft pick.
Roster Moves
- Shortstop Bo Bichette extended a Qualifying Offer for the 2026 season
- Right-hand pitchers Angel Bastardo, Bowden Francis, Yimi García, and Nick Sandlin reinstated from the 60-day injured list
- Catchers Brandon Valenzuela added to the Major League roster
- Right-hand pitchers Ryan Burr and Dillon Tate cleared waivers
Player Performance and Injury
In 2025, the 27-year-old shortstop bounced back after an injury-plagued season by slashing .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs and a team-high 94 RBIs. Bichette, a two-time All-Star, was on track to lead the league in hits (181) and doubles (44) before a PCL sprain in his left knee against the New York Yankees in September sidelined him for the remainder of the regular season and Toronto’s initial postseason rounds.
"Bichette missed the remainder of the regular season with the injury, as well as Toronto’s first two rounds of the postseason, before returning in Game 1 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers."
In the World Series, Bichette excelled by hitting .348 with six RBIs in 23 at-bats, including a crucial three-run home run in Game 7.
Career Highlights
Bichette, from Orlando, was a second-round pick by the Blue Jays in the 2016 draft. Since his Major League debut in 2019, he has posted a career batting average of .294 with 111 home runs, 190 doubles, and 437 RBIs over 749 games.
"The Orlando native was drafted by the Blue Jays in the second round of the 2016 draft and has posted a career .294 batting average with 111 home runs, 190 doubles, and 437 RBI in 749 games played since debuting for the big-league club in 2019."
Author's summary: Bo Bichette’s strong 2025 comeback and key postseason performances led the Blue Jays to extend a $22 million qualifying offer, securing the option for a compensatory draft pick if he leaves.