The Toronto Blue Jays had the best record in the American League last season and made it to the World Series, but now one of their star players, Bo Bichette, is a free agent.
The Blue Jays have been active this offseason, but have not re-signed Bichette among their moves. They added Dylan Cease and agreed to a deal with Cody Ponce, but their two-time All-Star shortstop remains unsigned. He figures to have plenty of suitors, but one American League West team is not interested, according to The Athletic’s Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal.
The Athletic revealed that the Athletics are “ramping up payroll as they prepare for their move to Las Vegas in 2028.” The A’s have some talented players and could be a team that shocks fans next season. However, they are not targeting Bichette in their search for infielders, according to the report.
The Athletic noted that trades for Jeff McNeil or Brandon Lowe are more likely for the A’s than them signing Bichette. The A’s have Jacob Wilson, the AL Rookie of the Year runner-up, at shortstop, so they may be looking for someone to man second base.
Among Wilson, Nick Kurtz, Shea Langeliers, Brent Rooker, Lawrence Butler and Tyler Soderstrom, the A’s could have a solid offense. Going out of their comfort zone and spending on a second baseman could make them a competitive squad. However, that second baseman will seemingly not be Bichette.
Bichette is not a great defensive shortstop, so teams may be considering signing him to play a different position. That is not good for the Blue Jays if they want him back, as it increases the number of teams they have to outbid. However, with the A’s not pursuing him, it’s one fewer team for the Blue Jays to fend off.
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