The one player the Blue Jays would love to have back healthy for the ALCS

"The Blue Jays currently have several key players on the mend, including several arms from the pitching staff headlined by Chris Bassitt and José Berríos. But if Toronto wanted to have someone back that could have a significant impact on the game from here on out, the one player they should hope to have back healthy for the ALCS is star shortstop Bo Bichette."

"The Blue Jays may be stronger defensively with their current makeup in the infield, with the likes of Ernie Clement and Andrés Giménez mainly holding down the shortstop position while Bichette is out. However, there is no question that the potential explosiveness and elite production that Bichette could provide when healthy is second to none (okay, maybe other than playoff monster Vladimir Guerrero Jr.)."

"After all, the 27-year-old shortstop had a huge bounce back 2025 campaign in which he batted a stellar .311 with an .840 OPS, along with 78 runs scored, 44 doubles, 18 home runs and 94 RBIs in 139 games played. More significantly, he had recapture his prior All-Star form and was actually leading the entire league in hits prior to his knee injury."

The Toronto Blue Jays finished off the New York Yankees in four ALDS games and have several days off before the ALCS at Rogers Centre. Several key players remain on the mend, including pitchers Chris Bassitt and José Berríos, and the extra rest could allow sidelined players to return to the playoff lineup. The most impactful potential return is shortstop Bo Bichette, as current infielders Ernie Clement and Andrés Giménez are defensive placeholders but lack Bichette's offensive explosiveness. Bichette hit .311 with an .840 OPS, 78 runs, 44 doubles, 18 home runs and 94 RBIs in 139 games, and he led the league in hits prior to his knee injury. The Blue Jays have scored 34 runs in four postseason games, and Bichette would further amplify that offense.

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