The Future of the Game: Bichette and Guerrero Together?

The Toronto Blue Jays have solidified a key piece of their future by locking in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with a massive 14-year contract. Now, general manager Ross Atkins has confirmed that the organization is keen on securing another cornerstone player: shortstop Bo Bichette.

"The interest is definitely there," Atkins stated confidently. "It’s our vision for Guerrero and Bichette to continue to play together. We will do everything in our power to make sure that happens."

Bichette's Wishes Aligned with Jays' Goals

Bichette himself has expressed a strong desire to remain in Toronto. Last year, he openly shared his aspirations to play alongside Guerrero forever and win a championship with the Jays. However, shortly before Guerrero's deal was announced, Bichette noted the absence of ongoing extension talks.

From MVP Talks to Injury Struggles: Bichette's Rollercoaster Season

The 2024 season has been rocky for Bichette. The talented shortstop started off slow, struggling to a mediocre .237/.286/.342 average, before injuries disrupted his season. After multiple calf strains, he found himself sidelined for two months. His return seemed promising, but an unfortunate broken finger cut his season short, leaving him with the disappointing stats of .225/.277/.322.

No Plans to Trade: A Firm Stance from Atkins

Despite trade rumors swirling around Bichette, Atkins has made it clear that dealing him is not an option. In June, he stated trading either Guerrero or Bichette "doesn’t make any sense for us," reinforcing this stance in the offseason as well.

Spring Training Revival: Signs of Returning Form?

Bichette has responded positively in spring training, showcasing impressive stats with a .373/.411/.667 line, including four home runs over 56 plate appearances. As the regular season kicks off, he is performing decently with a .291 batting average, consistently making hard contact and raising hope among fans and management alike.

A Bright Future Ahead?

Should Bichette maintain this upward trajectory, negotiating a long-term deal could become smoother. After a tumultuous 2024, both parties would benefit from a strong start to ensure confidence moving forward.

As he gears up for free agency at 28, Bichette’s potential remains high. If he regains his pre-injury form during the 2020-2023 seasons, he could command a lucrative nine-figure contract on the market. For now, the Blue Jays have their eyes set on keeping both Bichette and Guerrero to sustain their championship aspirations.