The Toronto Blue Jays have secured the AL East for the first time in a decade, but they still have some problems on the horizon. One of which is the fact they need to decide if they keep All-Star shortstop Bo Bichette, whose contract ends this season.
Bleacher Report’s Erik Beatson believes the Jays will be able to keep Bichette, and will give him a contract similar to the $180 million deal Willy Adames of the San Francisco Giants got.
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“More importantly, he is really the only notable shortstop hitting the market this off-season, increasing his value for teams in need at the position…On the one hand, it would seem rather unlikely that he leaves Toronto, given how important he was offensively to the team's rejuvenation this season…Prediction: Bichette stays in Toronto, earns near Willy Adames' $180 million,” Beatson wrote.
This season, Bichette slashed .311/.357/.483/.840 with 18 homers and 94 RBI in 139 games played. Adames, his contract comparison, slashed .225/.318/.421/.740 with 30 homers and 87 RBI over 160 games.
So, this contract prediction is actually pretty believable. While Bichette doesn't quite have the power Adames has, he makes up for it in average.
In a free agent class lacking talent at his position, the Jays shouldn’t let Bichette walk. Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are the future of the franchise, and they need to stay in Toronto.
Hopefully Beatson is correct, and the Jays give Bichette the money he so rightfully deserves.
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