Bo Bichette, Blue Jays 'Haven't Had Any Talks' About Contract Extension Before Season

Bo Bichette told reporters that he and the Toronto Blue Jays haven't had any contract extension talks as the 26-year-old shortstop enters the final season of a three-year, $33.6 million contract.

”No, we haven’t had any talks,” Bichette said, per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, “but from my perspective, we all grow up wanting to be one of those guys that has an opportunity to stay with an organization for their entire career. I’m just focused on what I’ve got to do this year to help the team win and be the best version of myself. Whatever happens will happen.”

The two-time All-Star, who has twice led the American League in hits, struggled mightily in 2024. Over 81 games, Bichette hit just .225 (.598 OPS) with four home runs and 31 RBI.

Bichette dealt with numerous calf injuries during the season and even missed two months after landing on the injured list July 20 with a "moderate" calf strain.

He returned on Sept. 17 but played just once before suffering a fracture in his right middle finger while taking pregame ground balls the next day after a ball "skipped up and hit him on the tip of his finger," per Matheson.

It isn't unrealistic to see Bichette return to his 2021-2023 form, when it appeared that he and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. would lead the Blue Jays on a long and prosperous run with them as the cornerstones.

During that stretch, Bichette hit .298 (.815 OPS) while averaging 24 home runs and 89 RBI per season. He also posted a 124 OPS+, per Baseball-Reference.

Bichette amassed a 14.3 WAR during that time while receiving MVP votes each season, getting as high as 11th in the AL MVP race in 2022.

Obviously, injuries slowed him down in 2024, and now there's some uncertainty about his Blue Jay future after a tough season. But a bounce-back campaign could certainly reignite extension conversations, although the impending free agent would attract attention from other teams as well if he plays to his potential.