Toronto Blue Jays esteemed Broadcaster Dan Shulman is wondering the same thing that I've been wondering for weeks: Could a World Series loss actually increase the chances of Bo Bichette returning to the Jays in free agency?

Shulman joined MLB Network on Saturday to discuss:

"In a weird way, I wonder if the chances have increased of him coming back, and I don't have a feel and I don't have any inside information at all... but I wonder if having been part of a team that won, and they did win this year makes him more likely to say 'man, this is pretty special here, and this could be special going forward..."

Shulman acknowledged that the money situation will factor into Bichette's decision and mindset, as will the positional conversation, but it's certainly fair to wonder if Shulman's point is right.

And I'll take it a step further: Could the World Series loss actually motivate both sides to get the deal done?

From Toronto's point of view

The Blue Jays just lost the most heartbreaking game in franchise history. Had they won that game, would they have been more inclined to decrease spending knowing they had already delivered the ultimate prize? If so, they could have been more comfortable letting Bichette go in free agency.

Or, perhaps they would have increased the spending knowing that they had a chance to build a dynasty.

On the flip side, do the Jays now go full-throttle again in the offseason in order to avoid a future heartbreak like last Saturday night? If so, they could be particularly active in the market again this winter.

From Bichette's point of view

Every player is motivated by something different. Some players are motivated by championships, some by money, some by playing time and some by location of an organization. Had Bichette already won the championship, would he have been more likely to chase free agent dollars? 

But since he hasn't, is he likely to see Toronto as the best combination of places to get paid and win a ring? And, to Shulman's point, he has real roots in the organization and real relationships.

He's said all along that he wants to be back in Toronto, but we'll see if that want turns into reality over the next few months.

Up next

The general manager's meetings begin next week (Nov. 11-13), and that's where the first groundworks could be laid on big deals, like the one that Bichette is certain to get.

RELATED BLUE JAYS STORIES

BICHETTE GETS QO: The Blue Jays made several roster moves on Thursday, including issuing a qualifying offer to Bo Bichette. CLICK HERE: 

NESN REPORTER BELIEVES BLUE JAYS CHAMPIONSHIP WINDOW IS JUST OPENING: In a recent episode of the Refuse to Lose podcast, Tom Caron said he thinks this year is the beginning of a new era for the Blue Jays. CLICK HERE

DON MATTINGLY SAYS GOODBYE: After two seasons as the team's bench coach, Mattingly is walking away from Toronto. CLICK HERE: 

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