For now, the focus for Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette is on trying to make sure he can get on the field for the World Series.

Bichette hasn't played since Sept. 6 because of a left knee sprain and wasn't even on the roster for the American League Division Series or the American League Championship Series. He's hoping to play as the Jays take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, which begins Friday night in Toronto. He could be relegated to designated hitter duty since running has still been an issue.

However, once the World Series ends, Bichette will have to instantly get to work on thinking about where he's going to play next season.

A free agent, Bichette will have a few days after the World Series to negotiate exclusively with the Blue Jays, and then five days after the World Series ends, he'll hit free agency for good.

However, at that five-day mark, the Blue Jays are also going to issue Bichette a qualifying offer, which means they are offering him a one-year deal worth $22 million. He will have about two weeks to decide if he's going to accept it, but if Bichette turns it down, he'll remain a full-fledged free agent, and the Blue Jays will guarantee themselves a draft pick if Bichette leaves for somewhere else.

MLBTradeRumors calls it a lock that the Jays offer him a QO, and they call it a lock that he'll turn it down, as will other top free agents like Kyle Tucker and Kyle Schwarber.

There’s not much to say about this trio. They’ll all receive and reject a QO. Tucker could seek a contract north of $400MM, while Bichette should aim for $200MM+ despite a late-season knee sprain. Schwarber’s age and lack of defensive value will keep him below $200MM, but he’s going to easily beat $22MM per season on what should at least be a four-year contract.

Previewing Qualifying Offer Decisions: Position Players We know Kyle Tucker and Kyle Schwarber will receive qualifying offers. What other free agent hitters may be attached to draft compensation?

Bichette's $200 million case

Still just 27-years-old, Bichette is a proven player in the league's most competitive division. A two-time All-Star, he's a .294 lifetime hitter with three seasons of 20 homers or more and four seasons of 18 or more.

He's got three seasons of 93 or more RBIs and he's also got two seasons of double-digit steals.

The age, contact ability and power possibilities are all major selling points for him. For instance, if Trea Turner and Xander Bogaerts can each get more than $275 million deals - at older ages, then why can't Bichette get at least $200 million?

What's working against him? 

The defense. He's regarded as one of the worst defensive shortstops in the sport. He could move to second, or third, but his bat might not be as valuable if he's measured up against the likes of Alex Bregman at third, who is also a free agent.

How about staying in Toronto? 

The Blue Jays shelled out big money last offseason to Anthony Santander and Jeff Hoffman, and in-season on the Vladimir Guerrero Jr. $500 million extension. They may not want to dish out more big money, but with Chris Bassitt coming off the books this year, and Kevin Gausman set to come off after 2026, they may have the flexibility to go out and spend additional money.

Playoff revenue - and World Series revenue - will certainly help the bottom line as well.

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