Blue Jays still have room for Bo Bichette after splash signing

The Toronto Blue Jays made a splash in free company on Saturday.

Nook infielder Kazuma Okamoto reportedly signed a four-year, $60 million contract with the Blue Jays. He’s anticipated to grow to be the beginning third baseman in Toronto, including one other doubtlessly highly effective bat to a lineup with first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and outfielders Anthony Santander and George Springer. 

Okamoto additionally creates a domino impact on the infield. Infielders Ernie Clement and Addison Barger, who had spent nearly all of their time because the Blue Jays’ main third basemen over the previous two years, will seemingly shift into extra of a utility function. Clement additionally has in depth expertise at second, making him a possible choice on the keystone.

Bo Bichette nonetheless has a spot in Toronto Blue Jays lineup

There’s nonetheless one important query mark in relation to Clement’s future function. Infielder Bo Bichette continues to be a free agent. He had been a key half within the Blue Jays’ resurgent 2025 marketing campaign, posting a .311/.357/.483 batting line over 628 plate appearances, hitting 18 homers and 44 doubles.

Bichette has been clear about his need to return to Toronto. He reportedly said that he desires to complete his profession enjoying alongside Guerrero with the Blue Jays, with staff broadcaster Buck Martinez placing the chances that Bichette returns at 80%. Likewise, the Blue Jays have publicly acknowledged that they want to bring Bichette back for 2026 and past.

Bichette can be reportedly open to a transfer to second base. He had simply 30 video games {of professional} expertise at second, along with his final look on the place in 2019, earlier than enjoying 5 video games on the keystone in the course of the World Sequence. Bichette had been anticipated to shift from quick sooner or later within the close to future; his efficiency at second in the course of the World Sequence might have hastened such a transfer.

A transfer to second would make Bichette a super match with the Blue Jays. Andres Gimenez is a greater defensive choice at quick, whereas Clement and Barger might return to utility roles. Bichette wouldn’t solely enhance the Blue Jays lineup, however he would additionally assist deepen their bench. The Blue Jays might have added a big piece to their lineup with Okamoto, however they nonetheless have loads of room to carry Bichette again.