Over the last few weeks, we've heard the rumors and rumblings: The Toronto Blue Jays have been linked to free agents like Alex Bregman, Kyle Tucker, Yoan Moncada and Kazuma Okamoto.

They've also been connected to Ketel Marte on the trade market.

But, frankly, the games and posturing have gone on long enough: As we hit the calendar year of 2026, it's time for the Jays to just do the simple thing: Sign Bo Bichette

It's time to practice what you've preached

The Blue Jays spent all season telling us how much they like Bichette. Prove it.

Bichette spent all playoffs telling us how much he wanted to be back. Prove it.

Money isn't a factor

Look, it's one thing if a team can't afford to keep its homegrown star, but that isn't the case with the Blue Jays. They've doled out over a billion dollars in the last calendar year to the likes of Anthony Santander, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Dylan Cease, Jeff Hoffman, Tyler Rogers and Cody Ponce. Kevin Gausman and George Springer are coming off the books following 2026.

Toronto has the money to make this deal a reality. There's a compromise in here somewhere. If Bichette wants more years than the Jays want to commit, then give him a higher annual value for less years. If Bichette wants too big a salary, then give a mutual option at the end of the deal with a decent buyout. If there are financial hiccups here, they can be worked around.

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This is what people dream of

Call me an old romantic, but this is what baseball people of yesteryear dream of.

Organizations would sell their souls to create multiple homegrown stars who end up staying in a place long-term and help a franchise get to a World Series. In Guerrero and Bichette, the Jays have that. That's the ultimate goal. You can't just let it walk out the door, especially when Bichette is only 27 years old.

And for Bichette, the days of Derek Jeter playing for one team are practically gone. Do your best to make it a reality in Toronto. World Series ring, Level of Excellence, they are all on the table. If you commit.

Bichette also fits perfectly

The Jays need a second baseman and Bichette can play there. If he's offended by being taken off shortstop, give some extra contract sweeteners (those usually help show respect). If Bichette really can't play defense in a few years, then the designated hitter spot is always an option.

While most free agent possibilities come with real questions, Bichette comes with only answers. It's time to make it happen.

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