TORONTO, ONTARIO – OCTOBER 24: Bo Bichette #11 of the Toronto Blue Jays throws to first base late after forcing out Will Smith #16 of the Los Angeles Dodgers at second base in game one of the 2025 World Series at Rogers Center on October 24, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)

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Aaliyan Mohammed

By Aaliyan Mohammed

Contributing Sports Writer

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The Toronto Blue Jays are in the World Series, but will soon have to make some difficult offseason decisions. Key players, including Bo Bichette, are slated to be free agents.

Bichette is due for a significant raise from his current three-year, $33 million deal. His current deal ranks 16th among shortstops in total value and average annual value. He is a two-time All-Star, has led the American League in hits twice and had a great bounce-back after a poor season last year.

Bichette is going to be one of the better offensive players available in free agency. He slashed .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs. He had a chance to lead the league in hits before his knee injury. However, there are concerns about his defense. Regardless, he is set up to be paid handsomely this offseason. Spotrac's Michael Ginnitti projects him to sign an eight-year, $187 million deal.

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TORONTO, ONTARIO - OCTOBER 24: Bo Bichette #11 of the Toronto Blue Jays throws to first base late after forcing out Will Smith #16 of the Los Angeles Dodgers at second base in game one of the 2025 World Series at Rogers Center on October 24, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)

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"A miserable and injury-riddled 2024 quieted the buzz surrounding Bichette a bit, but he’s picked up plenty of steam in 2025, and should hit the open market as the far-and-away top available shortstop," wrote Ginnitti. "One potential red flag this winter? Bichette carries a (minus)-5.9 DEF Rating, 22nd among 2025 shortstops."

Bichette's defense could play a major role in his free agency. Teams are not going to want to pay him like a shortstop if they feel he will have to change positions down the line. However, his offensive numbers may be good enough for teams to overlook below-average defense. He had the third-highest OPS among shortstops this season.

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