The Toronto Blue Jays have avoided arbitration with All-Star shortstop Bo Bichette, agreeing to terms on a multi-year contract, according to multiple reports.
Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet, who was the first to report the news of Bichette’s extension, reported via an industry source that a figure of $33.5 million could be reasonable in this instance.
One industry source suggested something like $33.5 million would be a reasonable total for Bo Bichette's three arbitration years. In the range of $6, $11, $16.5. Give or take #BlueJays
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) February 8, 2023
MLB.com‘s Mark Feinsand reported that while terms aren’t finalized, the sides agreed to a three-year deal. The deal allowed the Jays to avoid arbitration with Bichette. The new contract also accomplished another task, as it bought the final two arbitration years also. Bichette can elect free agency after 2025.
Bo Bichette and the Blue Jays have agreed to a three-year deal, per source, avoiding arbitration while also buying out his final two arb years. He is slated to hit free agency after the 2025 season. @bnicholsonsmith was on it.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) February 8, 2023
According to Sportsnet, Bichette filed at $7.5 million last month. The Blue Jays countered at $5 million. So, the $2.5 million gap was tied for the largest in the MLB with Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker.
Bo Bichette and the Blue Jays have agreed to a three-year deal, per source, avoiding arbitration while also buying out his final two arb years. He is slated to hit free agency after the 2025 season. @bnicholsonsmith was on it.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) February 8, 2023
By buying out the reaming three years of his arbitration, the Blue Jays are ensuring that they will not to have deal with an arbitrator for the remainder of Bichette’s tenure in Toronto. The contract agreed upon will not affect Toronto’s window of club control by delaying his path to free agency, according to MLB Trade Rumors.
Bichette, Toronto’s second-round selection in 2016, hit .290 with 24 home runs and 93 RBIs in 2022.
