The reigning American League Champions have made many moves surrounding their 40-man roster, but they've also taken the first step in trying to retain their All-Star infielder.
After losing in painful fashion on Saturday night in Game 7 of the World Series, the Toronto Blue Jays made the first of several notable offseason moves on Thursday afternoon.
Most of them were procedural, with the Jays re-instating Angel Bastardo, Bowden Francis, Yimi Garcia, Nick Sandlin and Ryan Burr from the 60-day injured list. Burr was outrighted to Triple-A Buffalo.
Additionally, the Blue Jays issued infielder Bo Bichette a qualifying offer, which was to be expected.
About the qualifying offer
The qualifying offer is a one-year contract worth just over $22 million this season. If Bichette were to accept it, he would remain with the Blue Jays on that one-year deal and would hit the free agent market again next offseason.
That seems completely unlikely, but after Shane Bieber shockingly opted-in to his one-year, $16 million deal, anything is possible.
If Bichette declines the qualifying offer, he's free to negotiate with any team in free agency. He can return to the Blue Jays on a new deal or he can sign somewhere else, but if he does, Toronto gets a compensatory draft pick.
About Bichette's free agency
Bichette has been predicted by various outlets to get a seven or an eight-year deal in free agency, and he's been predicted to get money that could be anywhere between $180-280 million.
He should have several suitors, especially considering that he showed the ability to play second base in the World Series. Some teams no longer consider him a shortstop, and his versatility to play second or third could help attract more suitors, as was noted by Jon Morosi of MLB Network on Thursday.
Toronto Blue Jays' Gamble Helped in World Series, But It May Hurt This Offseason
Bo Bichette likely turned some heads in the World Series with his ability to play second base, but will it backfire as Bichette hits free agency?
At the age of 27, Bichette is one of the youngest free agents to hit the market in recent memory. He hit .311 this past season with 18 homers and 94 RBIs. He's a two-time All-Star and he's led the American League in hits twice in his seven-year career.
What now?
The Blue Jays wait for the inevitable qualifying offer rejection and then go to work on trying to sign him long-term, presuming they want to bring him back to the only organization he's ever known.
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