Back in the Spring, the Blue Jays had clarified that they wanted their star shortstop, Bo Bichette, to stay in Toronto. Through the season, the 27-year-old also repeated the same stance. However, with no extension between the two and the free agency looming, many teams are already eyeing him. One in particular, their NL West Rival, has become their biggest offseason threat as per ESPN’s David Schoenfield.

“Bichette’s free agency will be fascinating,” Schoenfield wrote in his latest report. “Teams will be looking at him as a second or third baseman rather than a shortstop… We mentioned the (San Francisco) Giants as a potential fit… for Bichette, as Giants second basemen hit just .216/.273/.342.”

Despite missing the regular season since his September injury and the Blue Jays’ entire postseason run until the World Series, Bo Bichette enters the 2026 offseason as one of baseball’s most intriguing free agents.

After hitting .311 with 18 home runs, 94 RBIs, and a 3.4 WAR in 2025, his market value is projected at around eight years and $212 million. Comparisons to Willy Adames’ seven-year, $182 million deal with San Francisco give teams a reference point. Bichette, however, has drawn attention for his poor defensive metrics at shortstop, ranking below average across most advanced categories.

Toronto’s infield already features dependable defenders like Ernie Clement and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, reducing the urgency for a high-cost shortstop. Plus, Bichette’s shift to second base late in 2025 helped the Blue Jays’ overall defensive efficiency improve. Moreover, they also have some options at shortstop.

Ernie Clement and Andrés Giménez are good alternatives at the post, and both are under team control next year. They’ve already shared the position after Bichette’s knee sprain put him on the sidelines. Josh Kasevich, a slick-fielding prospect, might also be pushed to the big leagues. But none could replace Bichette’s offense.

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Although he was not at his best, making a position switch and barely even able to run the bases during the World Series, Bichette still made a huge impact on the field. Mentally, he has also prepared for the trade. Yet, every time he was asked about it, he claimed his wish to stay, effectively putting the ball in Toronto’s front office’s court.

But Bichette’s pros or cons might only factor in so much when Toronto makes its choice.

The biggest reason is their massive $500 million commitment to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. limits flexibility. His bat still carries impact potential, but Toronto’s roster balance may not justify another premium contract. However, that hasn’t stopped him from making a case for the player who entered the big leagues alongside him.

“I would love to finish my career playing with him,” said Vladimir Guerrero Jr. via Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. “But it’s free agency, so he’s got to do his thing to go and do what he has to do, to get his money.”

The San Francisco Giants, meanwhile, appear well-positioned to pursue Bichette.

Giants second basemen hit just .216 with a .273 on-base percentage and a .342 slugging mark in 2025. So, San Francisco’s need for a consistent right-handed hitter aligns with Bichette’s contact-driven offense and steady run production. While his range and arm fit better at second base, his bat could fill a clear void.

Now, the Giants might just turn Toronto’s heartbreak into their own version of poetic justice. But their wish doesn’t come without hurdles.

There are other teams in the running for Bo Bichette

The Blue Jays and GM John Schneider have clearly stated their priority to bring in Bichette. But it will also mean matching the highest bidder in the free agency. And after the Giants, the Atlanta Braves have quietly emerged as strong contenders. Their shortstop position lacked production in 2025, going 137 games without a home run from that spot. Ha-Seong Kim eventually took over after being claimed off waivers, stabilizing the defense but offering limited offensive impact.

Bichette, who hit .281 with 17 home runs despite a late-season knee sprain, brings a proven bat and playoff experience. Kim’s defense remains valuable, but the Braves’ infield depth fell short during crucial stretches of the season. Bichette’s ability to hit to all fields could add balance to a power-heavy roster. His presence would not just fill a gap but help Atlanta rediscover its consistency in October baseball. If the Braves truly want to change their October story, Bo Bichette fits perfectly. Atlanta has the need, the resources, and the hunger that once defined Toronto’s rise.

Other names, including the Kansas City Royals and the Los Angeles Angels, have also risen up to target Bichette. Now it’s Bo’s turn to decide which contender deserves his next chapter.