Blue Jays have one less team to deal with in Bo Bichette bidding war

The Toronto Blue Jays' top priority this offseason is retaining Bo Bichette, full stop. Even if various backup plans offer ways to replace his production elsewhere on the roster, it'd be far easier to just keep him in town. Of course, given that he's one of the two or three best players available in free agency, a whole host of teams are going to be in on him, even at his projected contract value of $200 million or more.

Though that may sound intimidating at first, in truth, most teams don't have the financial resources and the motivation to outlast the Blue Jays in this bidding war. And, luckily, one of the few clubs who could check both boxes may be ready to bow out of Bichette's market after their blockbuster trade.

The New York Mets haven't been shy about spending money under Steve Cohen, but with Marcus Semien and Francisco Lindor now patrolling the middle of their infield for a whopping $60.1 million in 2026, it's probably safe to consider them "out" on Bichette.

Mets likely to stop pursuing Bo Bichette, easing burden on Blue Jays in bidding war

The Mets' deep pockets could have pushed Bichette's market to uncomfortable territory for Toronto, so their sudden absence can only be considered a positive development. It is worth noting that the Texas Rangers feasibly could use a new second baseman to pair with Corey Seager, but they seem to be in the business of shedding short-term salary, not adding it. They could also be clearing the way for top prospect Sebastian Walcott, who thrived in Double-A as a teenager this past season.

Of course, removing one team from a list of 10 or so that will seriously be attempting to woo the Blue Jays' star in free agency doesn't guarantee a reunion, but it does mean there's one less dark horse to worry about.

Bichette's market will be flush with suitors regardless of the plans of those two teams, especially if he's willing to switch positions. After hitting .311/.357/.483 with a 14.5% strikeout rate during the regular season, his Game 7 heroics are going to appeal to every contending team with money to spend. Still, the Blue Jays have to be considered the favorites for his services, especially with the Mets' endless supply of dollars likely to retreat from the battlefield.