The Toronto Blue Jays were so close.
Game 7 of the World Series went to extra innings before the Los Angeles Dodgers won the championship and the Blue Jays were left just short.
A finish that close can motivate an entire offseason.
The Blue Jays may have brought back Bo Bichette either way. But after a loss that close in the end, Toronto can't afford to let him go.
The good news is that MLB.com's Mark Feinsand sees it being logical for the Blue Jays to bring Bichette back.
This is what Feinsand wrote:
"Bichette had a bounceback season in 2025, setting him up for a big contract in his first trip through free agency. Toronto’s run to the World Series showed both Bichette and the front office what the Blue Jays can accomplish, and it makes perfect sense for both sides to work out a deal and keep the dynamic duo of Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Together into the next decade."
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The Blue Jays worked on both the Bichette and Guerrero contracts before the season, but they only got Vladdy's deal done, a $500 million pact that was done in early April.
Bichette played the rest of the season in a contract year. He also battled injury at the end of the year that held him out from early September until a return in the World Series.
Long term, Bichette may have to move off of shortstop. With some teams, it might even happen for 2026.
But he's one of the best pure hitters in baseball.
The Blue Jays, after getting so close, have to do what they can to keep him around.
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