Bo Bichette trade rumors: Blue Jays expected to part ways with 2x All-Star in 2025 free agency, per MLB insider
Bo Bichette alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was considered to be the face of the Toronto Blue Jays' future. However, a disastrous 2024 season has seen his standing with the team shift dramatically. The Blue Jays are now reportedly open to trade offers for the infielder during the offseason.
Bichette has had an injury-plagued season. He is on the 10-day IL currently and has only played 79 games. His performance has been below expectations, with a batting average of .223, 30 RBIs and just four home runs. That's a big drop from his .306 hitting and 73 RBI season in 2023.
Under contract with the Blue Jays through the 2025 season, Bichette's future is not uncertain. According to Bob Nightengale, the Blue Jays might not pursue a bid to keep him on the roster and instead turn him over to a different club in hopes of a strong prospect package.
"The Toronto Blue Jays are expected to entertain trade offers this winter for shortstop Bo Bichette, who has no plans to stay in Toronto once he’s a free agent after the 2025 season," Nightengale wrote (per Sports Illustrated).
He also pointed out that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has a similar time frame on his contract. The Blue Jays are looking to seal the lead on the first baseman's renewed contract before he hits free agency.
Bo Bichette had no future plans in Toronto after 2025
Bo Bichette had made it clear that he is not interested in staying in Canada after his free agency in 2025. This might have made things easier for the Blue Jays to consider a trade option for Bichette.
However, just because their primary shortstop has no future plans of staying on, it doesn't signify that the Blue Jays cannot use him for the next year. If they do not trade him in the offseason, there is a possibility that the team will look to utilize him ahead of the 2025 deadline.
Considering his $17.5 million per year contract, it is understandable why the team is considering a trade, as they might be able to use the same amount in different places before the new season begins.