With George Springer out for the rest of the World Series and the challenging Game 3 loss, many would’ve believed that the Toronto Blue Jays were dealt the toughest hand. But Ernie Clement, for one, knew the next goal: bounce back. With what was visible in their 6-2 World Series Game 4 win, they certainly did just that, especially with their $186M Weapon returning to the active roster to replace Springer.

“I’ll never count Bo (Bichette) out against anybody with a bat in his hand, at any point in the calendar year,” GM John Schneider praised the 27-year-old after the game.

With him spraining the PCL in his left knee on September 6, Bichette wasn’t added to the team’s ALDS or ALCS rosters despite him starting to jog and practice before the games. For the World Series, however, Bichette was prepared, even if he had to play at second base for the first time in his MLB career.

As the No. 11 SS stepped in for Springer, he made his time count.

Bichette went 1-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base, sparking that crucial four-run rally in the seventh inning. After the game, he said that he would do anything since it was the World Series, but it was visible that he wasn’t back to his full health. It was apparent when he lined Treinen’s second pitch over the left fielder’s head to score Gimenez and move Vlad to third, and stopped at first.

Still, nothing’s stopping Bichette now.

He first returned to the field in the World Series opener and already made his impact known. Bichette singled early, walked to begin a nine-run sixth inning and made a nice defensive play in his first game at second base in six years, helping the Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 11-4 on Friday night.

“That was everything that I could have hoped for,” Bichette said then. “I definitely had to work on some stuff and get comfortable.”

With that 11-4 win in the opening matchup, Bichette, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and center fielder Daulton Varsho became the first son trio of former major leaguers to start for one team in a World Series game.

Yet, Springer’s loss is quite notable. He’s been one of Toronto’s biggest postseason performers, with 4 HRs and an .884 OPS this month, including a clutch three-run shot in Game 7 of the ALCS against Seattle. Replacing that kind of production and leadership isn’t easy.

But if anyone could step into that role, it’s Bichette…

Hitting .311 with an .840 OPS this season, he’s been one of the team’s most reliable bats. And also one of the few who’s handled the Dodgers’ high-velocity pitching well. Now, with Springer officially sidelined for the rest of the World Series, Bichette is expected to take the reins. Still, even with his heroics, fans should brace themselves as Schneider’s statement indicates more than just praise.

The Blue Jays might be counting days with Bichette

Yes, you read that right!

Bo Bichette could be down to his final three games in a Blue Jays uniform. Almost ten years after being drafted back in 2016, he is set to hit free agency for the first time this winter. While he’s still chasing his dream of winning a World Series, his future in Toronto is far from certain after this season. Bichette could command a seven-year, $180 million+ deal on the open market. Reportedly, nine potential teams, including the Blue Jays, are expected to show interest.

Now, that kind of price tag will definitely make the Jays think twice about how far they’re willing to go to keep their longtime shortstop. That too, when he hasn’t always been their go-to option at short in the biggest moments. But Schneider has already mentioned how he wants to keep Bichette in Toronto. Moreover, it was Bichette who delayed the extension talks but he, too, wishes to be with the Blue Jays. We can see why the homegrown star is doing all he could to get a World Series title home.