Bo Bichette reveals free agent change that's bad news for Blue Jays

Matt Sullivan

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Bo Bichette reveals free agent change that's bad news for Blue Jays image

The Toronto Blue Jays are likely to spend big this winter, and they've already shown their willingness to do so with their major investments into the pitching staff.

$210 million for Dylan Cease, $30 million for Cody Ponce, and $37 million or more for Tyler Rogers. But that's far from what the final tally is likely to land, as they're showing interest in Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette still.

However, the free agent market for Bichette is likely to undergo a major shift. According to Mark Feinsand on MLB Network, the Blue Jays shortstop is showing a willingness to move to second base, opening the door to a lot more interested teams.

Bo Bichette free agency update points to an expanded market amid switch to second base

"People are not necessarily looking at Bichette as a shortstop, and he is starting to tell teams he would be willing to move to second base," Feinsand said. "I think, after watching him play second base in the World Series, it's probably a good move."

This change for Bichette would likely open the door to a lot more teams to show interest and make a move for the slugging infielder.

While his defense at shortstop has been suspect, and part of the reason why teams have been cautious about spending on him, a move to second base, where he thrived in the World Series, has been an appealing situation for teams around MLB.

But Bichette hasn't expressed a willingness to make that switch. At least, until now. With Bichette open to moving to second base, teams like the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, and many other teams could begin to enter the Bichette sweepstakes alongside the Blue Jays.

More: Kyle Tucker spotted at Blue Jays facility, per MLB insider

The 27-year-old two-time All-Star is one of the top hitters left on the free agent market, and if he's willing to move to second base, then he'd become the clear top option at the position this winter.

With second base being a bigger priority for teams this offseason, Bichette could be a much more appealing option than someone like Ketel Marte, Brendan Donovan, or Brandon Lowe in the trade market.

A.311 batting average,.840 OPS, a hitting second baseman would be a hot commodity, and with this report from Feinsand that Bichette is open to making the position change, the market for the former Blue Jays slugger could ramp up.

While Toronto might not be able to sign both Tucker and Bichette, seeing the fan-favorite infielder leave in free agency would be a sad day.

But this piece of news opens the door for more interested teams, and likely spells bad news for the Blue Jays' odds of keeping Bichette this offseason.

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Staff Writer