The Toronto Blue Jays already locked up one of their marquee free agents — but another remains set to hit the market.
While Vladimir Guerrero Jr. inked a 14-year, $500 million extension in April, shortstop Bo Bichette has yet to agree to a new contract.
Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro said Sunday an extension for his star shortstop is unlikely to come before the end of the season.
“It’s always important to educate fans that there are no contracts that get done in August and September. Guys get this close to free agency, they work hard to get to that point. It’s very possible we still re-sign them but they need to go out there and understand what the opportunities are for them in free agency,” Shapiro said during an appearance on MLB Network Radio.
“That will be something (general manager) Ross (Atkins) addresses when he puts together his off-season plan, and Bo will certainly be a priority and a part of that.”
Bichette, 27, has enjoyed a resurgent season following an injury-marred 2024 campaign.
Through 121 games, Bichette leads MLB with 161 hits while slashing .295/.336/.453 with 16 home runs and a team-high 81 RBIs.
The Orlando native is in the final season of a three-year, $33.6 million contract.
His free-agent class is also slated to include star hitters Kyle Tucker of the Chicago Cubs and Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies.
