Bo Bichette’s Future: Injury Recovery, 2025 Stats, and the Intense 2026 Free Agency Rumour Mill
The Toronto Blue Jays’ offseason is defined by one looming question: what happens with Bo Bichette? As of January 2026, the homegrown superstar is a free agent, and his future is the hottest topic north of the border. After a rollercoaster 2024 season derailed by injury, Bichette’s strong 2025 comeback has made him a premier target on the open market, with baseball’s biggest franchises now circling.
From Injury to Comeback: Bichette’s Recent Timeline
Bichette’s journey to free agency has been marked by resilience. The 2024 campaign was a struggle, limited to just 81 games due to injury. However, he silenced doubters with a powerful 2025 regular season, proving his elite bat was back. His season did end abruptly on September 6, 2025, with a sprained left posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) suffered in a home-plate collision. The Blue Jays provided a positive update in late October, indicating Bichette was already plotting a World Series return, showcasing his drive.
Key Injury & Activation History (2020-2025)
Bichette’s talent is undeniable, but his recent history shows a pattern of nagging injuries that teams will factor into contract negotiations. The following table outlines his major IL stints and returns over the past several seasons.
| Date | Team Action | Status |
|---|---|---|
| August 16, 2020 | Toronto Blue Jays | Placed SS Bo Bichette on the 10-day injured list. |
| September 12, 2020 | Toronto Blue Jays | Activated SS Bo Bichette from the 10-day injured list. |
| August 19, 2023 | Toronto Blue Jays | Activated SS Bo Bichette from the 10-day injured list. |
| September 8, 2023 | Toronto Blue Jays | Activated SS Bo Bichette from the 10-day injured list. |
| June 25, 2024 | Toronto Blue Jays | Activated SS Bo Bichette from the 10-day injured list. |
| July 20, 2024 | Toronto Blue Jays | Placed SS Bo Bichette on the 10-day injured list. |
| September 17, 2024 | Toronto Blue Jays | Activated SS Bo Bichette from the 10-day injured list. |
| September 29, 2025 | Toronto Blue Jays | Activated SS Bo Bichette from the 10-day injured list. |
By The Numbers: Bichette’s Statistical Rebound
The stark difference between Bichette’s 2024 and 2025 seasons tells the story of his value. His 2025 rebound silenced concerns that his down year was a new normal, re-establishing him as a top-tier offensive shortstop.
| Season | Team | Batting Average | Games Played | Key Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | TOR | .225 | 81 | Injury-plagued, finished with a .599 OPS. |
| 2025 | TOR | .311 | 142* | Strong rebound before late-season PCL sprain. |
| 3-Year Avg | TOR | .283 (approx) | N/A | Reflects consistency prior to 2024 slump. |
*Estimated based on season-ending injury date.
The 2026 Free Agency Frenzy: Who’s In on Bo?
As the new year turned, the rumour mill went into overdrive. While a reunion with Toronto is the ideal scenario for many fans, multiple reports confirm the bidding war has begun. MLB insiders, including Jon Heyman of the New York Post, note at least five serious suitors have emerged.
The most frequently linked teams are the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Chicago Cubs, all of whom have reportedly “checked in” on the infielder. For the Yankees, it’s seen as a potential massive upgrade; for the Cubs, a statement signing in a slow offseason. This intense external interest is the “bad news” for the Blue Jays front office, as it dramatically increases the price and competition for their franchise player.
“Re-signing Bichette this winter would be an ideal scenario for the Blue Jays, but it won’t come easy.” – Yahoo Sports analysis on the free agency situation.
The market dynamics are complex. Some reports suggest Bichette may have to wait for other top free agent infielders, like Alex Bregman, to set the market before his destination becomes clear. This high-stakes waiting game has every fanbase involved on edge.
What a Bichette Contract Could Look Like in 2026
While exact figures are speculative, a player of Bichette’s calibre, age, and position will command a monumental contract. We are likely talking about a long-term deal spanning 7+ years. Given the involvement of deep-pocketed teams like the Dodgers and Yankees, the total value could easily soar into the range of $250 million CAD or more. For the Blue Jays, matching such an offer while managing other roster needs will be their greatest challenge of the offseason.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Bo Bichette’s injury in 2025?
Bo Bichette suffered a sprained left posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in a collision at home plate on September 6, 2025. He was activated from the injured list on September 29, 2025, after the Blue Jays’ season had concluded, indicating he was on track in his recovery.
Which teams are most rumoured to sign Bo Bichette in 2026?
As of January 2026, the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Chicago Cubs are the three teams most frequently and directly linked to having “checked in” on Bo Bichette. Reports suggest at least five teams total are in the mix, with the Toronto Blue Jays still hoping to re-sign him.
How did Bo Bichette perform in 2024 vs. 2025?
He had a stark rebound. In an injury-shortened 2024, he batted .225 with a .599 OPS in 81 games. In 2025, he returned to All-Star form, posting a .311 batting average over approximately 142 games before his late-season knee injury, proving his 2024 struggles were an aberration.