Even though his name was at the heart of rumors last season, the Toronto Blue Jays have no intention of trading shortstop Bo Bichette.
This was indicated by general manager Ross Atkins on Tuesday during his appearance on the television show MLB Tonight.
• Also read: Affected mentally and physically, he retired very early
• Also read: Tough aftermath for Aaron Judge and the Yankees after their World Series loss
• Also read: Major League Baseball: All eyes are on Juan Soto
“The answer to your question is a simple no,” he replied when asked about it. It’s definitely part of our plans, just like [Vladimir Guerrero fils]. He was enormously important to this organization, this city, this country and to the world of baseball. He will become one of the best players in our sport. He has been at times in his career and we’re really excited to see them play together.”
Bichette and Guerrero Jr., the Blue Jays’ two star players, could become free agents at the conclusion of the next major league baseball campaign.
Atkins declined to comment on when to begin contract negotiations with the two athletes.
Coming back to Bichette, his 2024 season was largely curtailed by injuries. He had a .225 batting average and 70 hits, including 4 home runs, in 81 games.
Furthermore, the GM of the Blue Jays affirmed that his team’s priority for this off-season was to find relief pitchers.
“We want to improve our pitching group and our offense, and strengthen a team that we think is good and in a strong starting position,” Atkins said. We need to improve our bullpen. This is clearly the area where we have an opportunity. But we’re really excited about the energy here and our opportunity to get better.”
In 2024, the Queen City club took fifth and last place in the Eastern section of the American League with a record of 74-88. The Blue Jays missed the playoffs for the first time in three campaigns.
