6 Blue Jays who won’t be back in 2026 after gutting World Series loss

P Chris Bassitt

Chris Bassitt had quietly been one of the most consistent starters for the Jays during the past three years. Bassitt managed to post double digits in wins (including leading the American League with 16 back in 2023), an ERA between 3.60 to 4.20, more than 170 innings pitched, more than 165 strikeouts while making at least 31 starts in each of his three seasons for Toronto from 2023 to 2025. Sure, he had some ups and downs at times, but his 37 wins over that time was tops on the team, even outdoing more than Gausman and Berríos, who both had only 36 wins over that same stretch.

More importantly, Bassitt showed his versatility this season during the MLB Playoffs where he shone as a shutdown reliever for the Jays en route to their first World Series appearance in 32 years. In seven postseason games, the 36-year-old veteran posted a sparkling 1.04 ERA, 0.58 WHIP, yielding just one run with 10 strikeouts in just 8 2/3 innings pitched. 

However, with the free agent market thin on elite starting pitching this year after the likes of Framber Valdez, Dylan Cease and Ranger Suárez, Bassitt could command a substantial last contract leading up to his twilight years given his proven performance despite already in his mid-30s. With that, it could end up be8ng beyond what the Jays could offer to retain him.

SS Bo Bichette

Finally, we have the Jays’ long-time star shortstop Bo Bichette finally reaching the inevitable free agency that many had feared. As one of the main offensive catalysts for the Blue Jays alongside Guerrero since the organization’s resurgence since 2020, Bichette represents one of the top hitters playing currently in today’s game.

After all, the two-time All-Star had led the American League in hits twice, and would have for a third time this year if it hadn’t been for his knee injury that he suffered in September. More importantly, Bichette has consistently hit close to .300 with an above .800 OPS, while averaging close to 24 home runs and 95 RBIs over a 162-game schedule pace on a yearly basis.

On top of that, he showed that 2024 was just an outlier season for him as he returned to his true dominant form during his 2025 campaign to help the Jays reach all the way to the World Series. Bichette has also been a proven clutch hitter, coming through for Toronto in many key moments.

That was exactly what we saw after his return from the IL in the World Series even while playing on one bad knee. Unfortunately, he is also by far the best shortstop available this offseason, with names such as Ha Seong Kim, Miguel Rojas and others as the next best options. 

It is not a stretch to think he’ll command a contract north of $200 million plus. So it will come down to if the Blue Jays are willing to put the bulk of their investment in both Guerrero and Bichette for the long-term, while potentially sacrificing needs in other positions going forward. But given what we saw how many of the complementary role players helped Toronto to their winning success this season, it will be a sacrifice that they can ill-afford to have, which would end Bichette’s time with the Jays.