The Toronto Blue Jays and star shortstop Bo Bichette have reportedly agreed on a three-year contract extension that will guarantee the Florida product $33.6 million, with additional incentives that could push the value to just over $40 million.
Bichette was entering arbitration for the first time in his career this winter. This deal will bypass the remaining three years of that process, with the righty-batter still slated to hit free agency following the 2025 campaign.
While the deal doesn’t cover any free agent years, a bridge-type agreement such as this is a step in the right direction for both sides considering their past differences.
Last season, Bichette declined the pre-arbitration contract the Jays put forward, voicing his displeasure on the formula the organization utilizes when it comes to pre-arb contracts, “It’s pretty simple — I disagree with sticking to a formula to value us as players… I think that there’s more to it than the way that they view us. I think that for players, that’s not the right way to do it.”
Blue Jays and Bo Bichette reportedly agree to a three-year contract, avoiding future arbitration
These comments and a $2.5 million dollar gap between Bichette’s $7.5 million ask and the Jays’ contract offer at $5 million during the initial arbitration exchange only fueled the online rumour mill of a rocky relationship between the two sides, which now appears to have settled after this guaranteed contract.
Bo Bichette’s with the Blue Jays is $33.6m guaranteed for three years, source tells @TheAthletic. No options. Escalato …
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Author: Tyson Shushkewich / Blue Jays Nation
