The Bo Bichette era in Toronto now appears to be over. The Blue Jays’ decision to sign Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto is a sign they have moved on from their home-grown All-Star infielder.
Because Toronto’s actions now suggest it is prepared to move forward without him, the reports last week of the New York Yankees checking in on Bichette are more interesting.
Bichette is coming off a strong 2025 season of his own, batting.311 with 18 home runs, 94 RBI, and an.840 OPS, despite missing most of September and October. His underlying contact quality remained strong, with a hard-hit rate near 50 percent and one of the lowest strikeout rates among everyday infielders. That offensive profile is why interest has persisted even as his market has moved slowly.
It also explains why the New York Yankees have checked in.
The Yankees are built to absorb a qualifying-offer free agent and can be flexible with Bichette defensively. Shortstop is an option in the short term as Anthony Volpe recovers from shoulder surgery. Bichette has signaled that he is willing to play second base, which may be the cleaner fit. Reports indicate New York is listening to offers on All-Star second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., which would open a clear lane for Bichette without forcing a long-term positional shift. They could also shift Chilsholm to third base as Ryan McMahon has not shown he can hit consistently there.
For the Yankees, Bichette represents a right-handed bat with contact ability, postseason experience, and at just 27 years old, age still on his side. For Toronto, the Okamoto signing looks like the pivot point — the moment the organization stopped waiting.
Okamoto arrives as a middle-of-the-order bat with a long track record. The 28-year-old hit.327 with 15 home runs and a.416 on-base percentage in 69 games last season for the Yomiuri Giants before an elbow injury ended his year. Over nine NPB seasons, he has been one of Japan’s most consistent power hitters, clearing 30 home runs five times and posting a career OPS over.900. Toronto expects him to play mostly third base, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. At first, reshaping the infield without addressing shortstop.
Bichette has been quietly sitting on the free agent market this winter. After Okamoto signed, however, that should quickly heat up.
