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By Jackson Roberts
Contributing Sports Writer
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A lot of Toronto Blue Jays fans were likely hoping they'd never see Bo Bichette wear another uniform, but that dream came to an end on Wednesday.
For the first time in his 10-year professional career, Bichette joined a new organization: the New York Mets. He had an introductory press conference at Citi Field, donning the No. 19, which he was unable to wear in Toronto because of its ties to franchise icon José Bautista.
Bichette really couldn't be blamed for his own departure, as the Blue Jays signed another free-agent infielder in Kazuma Okamoto and then seemingly made outfielder Kyle Tucker their No. 1 target. But to the fans, it shouldn't matter who was "at fault" when the fact is that a longtime fan favorite player has moved on to a new big-market team.
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On Wednesday, after the presser concluded, Bichette was asked in a one-on-one interview if he had a parting message for Blue Jays fans, and unsurprisingly, he had one that was quite heartfelt.
"Thank you," Bichette told Sportsnet's Shi Davidi. "Thank you for all the support. You guys mean a lot to me. Toronto will always be in my heart, and I guess I'll see you guys in June."
The Mets visit the Blue Jays for a three-game series from June 29-July 1, which is right about at the halfway point of the regular season. Because Bichette signed a three-year, $126 million deal that includes two opt-outs, there could already be a shift by that point in the odds of whether he stays around for a second year or is destined to head back to the open market.
Both the Blue Jays and Mets have made some big moves this offseason, and both fan bases will have to get used to seeing some of their favorite players in new uniforms. Blue Jays fans just have to hope Bichette doesn't torch them with his bat when he comes back to Rogers Centre -- where, in his last game, he hit a three-run blast in Game 7 of the World Series.
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