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By Drew VonScio
Contributing Sports Writer
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After falling just short in the World Series, the Toronto Blue Jays are determined to remain one of the best teams in baseball and push to win a World Series title.
Part of that push would require the team to bring back Bo Bichette in free agency. Despite missing most of the playoff run, Bichette provided a major spark for Toronto against the Los Angeles Dodgers. It's unknown right now if Bichette will return to the Blue Jays, but the front office seems optimistic a return is in the works.
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“He’s been a special part of this organization and a special part of building towards this, and he certainly makes our team better,” Shapiro told Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. “As I reflected on his ability, toughness and desire to be on the field in the condition he was in during the postseason and his ability to still provide some of the most important [moments] of the World Series, that was only an exclamation point on what’s been an unbelievable career here,” Shapiro said. “In fact, I can remember him at his pre-Draft workout. My son was shagging fly balls and his dad was throwing BP to him with our scouting staff on Field 1 in Florida. I can remember him back to being a high-school senior.”
Team presidents don't talk up a player this much if they aren't willing to bring them back. Bichette is clearly the top priority for the Blue Jays this winter even if it isn't admitted publicly. Shapiro and manager John Schneider know Bichette won't be easy to replace. Looking at the shortstop market, there is also a major drop off from Bichette to the rest of the group which strengthens Toronto's case to bring him back even more.
“Bo has already had a massive impact on this organization, our ability to win games and the fan base,” general manager Ross Atkins told Matheson. “It’s really incredible, his performance, and to think about what he accomplished in the playoffs. I don’t want to exaggerate, but he was certainly not at 100%. Not having full strength, not being at 100% agility and mobility and to still have that level of impact offensively -- and make the plays defensively -- speaks to the competitor and athlete he is.”
That's not to say the Blue Jays won't need to offer a fair contract. Bichette loves Toronto, but he won't take a hometown discount. The organization will still have to pay him what he is owed in order to lock him down on a multi-year deal.
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