The Toronto Blue Jays were handed back-to-back blows in free agency.
Toronto was pursuing Kyle Tucker, but the superstar outfielder signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday night. Then, just over 12 hours later, the Blue Jays got even more band news, as Bichette has signed with the New York Mets.
ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan reported that Bichette has signed a three-year, $126 million deal with the Mets. The deal is worth $42 million per season. It also contains no deferrals or opt-outs after the first and second seasons.
Bichette gets a huge short-term deal with the Mets to be a key part of its infield and can re-enter free agency in the very near future if he so decides. He’s expected to play third base with Francisco Lindor at shortstop and Marcus Semien at second base.
Bichette has led the AL in hits twice in his career. He hit .311 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs last season.
Bichette Wanted to Return to Blue Jays
Bichette had spent his entire career in Toronto and had made it clear he wanted to keep playing there.
The star infielder said after the Blue Jays lost Game 7 of the World Series that he would like to be back.
“I’ve said I want to be here from the beginning,” Bichette said postgame. … “I’ll remember this group forever. I think this group taught me what a team is. I think it’s probably the most valuable lesson in my career, so they mean a ton to me.”
Although Bichette had said he wanted to play his entire career with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., that will no longer happen as he inked a deal with the Mets.
Toronto, meanwhile, did sign Kazuma Okamoto to bolster its infield and offense, which likely ruled out a reunion with Bichette.
Bichette was a two-time MLB All-Star in his career in Toronto.
Where do Blue Jays go From Here?
The Blue Jays were unlikely to sign Bichette, but after seeing him and Tucker sign elsewhere, the team could look at another move.
Toronto could still use another bat, and after Tucked signed in Los Angeles, insider Shi Davidi linked the team to Cody Bellinger.
“Bellinger, a left-handed bat the Blue Jays have flirted with over multiple off-seasons, could also help create the type of continuity Tucker or Bichette would offer. Providing Guerrero an elite complement in the lineup while helping to fill in an outfield facing the potential departures of George Springer and Daulton Varsho next off-season,” Davidi wrote.
“They’re part of the roughly $93-94 million potentially coming off the books after the season. Although given that the Collective Bargaining Agreement also expires Dec. 1, what that means exactly for 2027 and beyond is up in the air. Last year, the Blue Jays paid $13.6 million in taxes on a CBT payroll of $286.1 million.”
Whether or not the Blue Jays have a serious interest in Bellinger or will pursue him is to be seen. But, Toronto could very well look at the market and try to add another bat to the lineup to help fill the void of Bichette.
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