ESPN insider reveals why Blue Jays' Bo Bichette is still unsigned

Matt Sullivan

•
ESPN insider reveals why Blue Jays' Bo Bichette is still unsigned image

The Major League Baseball offseason, after a flurry of move surroudning the Winter Meetings, has ground to a near-complete stop.

Updates on the top names are few and far between, and no big deals are expected any time soon. One of those players is Toronto Blue Jays' Bo Bichette. He's still unsigned, and there's one reason why.

ESPN insider Jeff Passan revealed why Bichette, along with Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman, are still unsigned: they view themselves as worth more than teams are willing to offer.

Why Blue Jays' Bo Bichette is still unsigned

"Same as what's going on with Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman and Cody Bellinger: What they believe they're worth has not been matched by teams," Passan revealed.

Bichette, along with the other top free agents still left on the market, isn't signing their free agent deals yet because the contract offers from teams aren't near their desired values.

Most of these free agents are seeking long-term deals, but teams aren't showing a willingness to do so this offseason.

But, one of these top free agents could sign a short-term, higher AAV deal instead of a long-term one, and re-enter free agency next offseason with further proof from a strong 2026 season.

More: Bo Bichette predicted to betray Blue Jays, sign with AL East rival in MLB free agency

There's obviously some risk involved, as a down 2026 season could spell doom for their odds of signing a lofty new deal. But Pete Alonso's success from last offseason might pave the way for one of these free agents to follow a similar path.

And Passan named Bichette as the one he could see as the most likely to take a short-term deal. "If that sort of a deal would work for anyone," Passan writes, "it might be Bichette."

Having a strong 2026 season and hitting free agency at just 28 years old next winter might be ideal for Bichette. While a potential lockout could throw things for a loop, for now, Bichette's best bet might be taking the short-term, prove-it deal.

The free agency of Bichette, Tucker, Bellinger, and Bregman will be very interesting to keep track of. A lot can change, but for now, none of these players are likely to sign, barring a change in tune from a team or a player for a new deal.

More Blue Jays News:

Contributing Writer