Blue Jays Extend Qualifying Offer to Bo Bichette
The Toronto Blue Jays have made a one-year qualifying offer to free agent Bo Bichette, valued at $22.05 million for the 2026 season. This move guarantees the Blue Jays a compensatory draft pick if Bichette signs with another team.
Bichette, 27, had a strong 2025 season, batting .311 with 18 home runs, 94 RBIs, and a .357 on-base percentage. He suffered a left knee sprain on September 6 against the New York Yankees after sliding into the catcher's shin guards but returned in time for the World Series. During the series, he hit .348 and delivered a memorable three-run homer early in Game 7.
Team Roster Moves Ahead of Off-Season
- Right-handers Angel Bastardo, Bowden Francis, Yimi García, Nick Sandlin, and Robinson Piña were reinstated from the 60-day injured list.
- Robinson Piña was assigned outright to Triple-A.
- Catcher Brandon Valenzuela was added to the major-league roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft in December. Valenzuela was acquired from the San Diego Padres in exchange for Will Wagner at the trade deadline.
- Right-handed relievers Ryan Burr and Dillon Tate cleared waivers and chose to enter free agency.
"If Bo Bichette signs elsewhere after declining the qualifying offer, the Blue Jays will receive a compensatory draft pick."
Bo Bichette now faces the choice to accept the qualifying offer and remain with the Blue Jays for one year or enter unrestricted free agency for the first time.
Summary: The Blue Jays secured a qualifying offer for Bo Bichette, ensuring draft compensation if he leaves, while managing several key roster changes heading into the off-season.