"Chief among them was the announcement that Bo Bichette received a qualifying offer. If he were to accept, he'd make $22.05 million for the 2026 season. However, Bichette won't accept this qualifying offer. This is a procedural move for the Blue Jays because if Bichette signs elsewhere in free agency, the Jays will receive a draft pick after the fourth round in the 2026 draft due to them being a tax-paying team."
"Last season, the 27-year-old returned to his usual self, slashing .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs in 628 plate appearances for a 134 wRC+ and 3.8 fWAR. This came after a disastrous 2024 season, where Bichette slashed .225/.277/.322 with four home runs in an injury-filled season. Bichette also had a strong postseason once returning from his knee injury, slashing .348/.444/.478 with a home run in 27 plate appearances during the World Series."
"The last time a Blue Jay departed after receiving a qualifying offer was after the 2023 season, when Matt Chapman signed with the San Francisco Giants. In return, the Jays received a pick after the fourth round, using it to select Nick Mitchell, who was eventually included in the Andrés Giménez trade. After the 2021 season, both Robbie Ray and Marcus Semien departed the Blue Jays after receiving a qualifying offer."
Toronto issued a qualifying offer to Bo Bichette, which he is expected to decline, creating compensation eligibility if he signs elsewhere. The procedural move would net the Blue Jays a draft pick after the fourth round in the 2026 draft because the team exceeded the luxury-tax threshold. Bichette, 27, rebounded last season with a .311/.357/.483 slash line, 18 home runs, 134 wRC+ and 3.8 fWAR after an injury-marred .225/.277/.322 2024. He produced strong postseason numbers, hitting .348/.444/.478 with a World Series homer in 27 plate appearances. Bichette has until Nov. 18 to decide.
Read at BlueJaysNation
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