Bo Bichette grew up in the Toronto Blue Jays' organization.
But now that he's fully grown and reached his peak, he's leaving the nest.
Bichette signed in free agency on Friday with the New York Mets. After what seemed like a decent chance for the Blue Jays to bring him back, he's gone.
The Athletic's Will Sammon first reported the deal as a three-year pact. ESPN's Jeff Passan added that it'll be for $126 million ($42 million per year).
Infielder Bo Bichette and the New York Mets are in agreement on a three-year, $126 million contract, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 16, 2026
After losing the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes, the Mets pivot quickly and get one of the best players left on the market. @WillSammon was first on the deal.
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Why did Blue Jays let Bo Bichette leave?
In the end, Toronto put its priorities elsewhere.
They used big money early in free agency to sign starting pitcher Dylan Cease ($210 million).
They also spent well to land Kazuma Okamoto, a Japanese star who can play third base.
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Now, they can slot Andres Gimenez at shortstop and Ernie Clement at second base. With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. At first, that's a solid infield.
Bichette is one of baseball's best pure hitters, and he came up clutch for Toronto in the postseason, so it's hard to see him go.
But the Blue Jays must've decided his declining defensive abilities and the price tag just didn't add up, and so they spent on other guys instead.
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