Bo Bichette's asking price has likely gone beyond what Blue Jays are willing to give

The Toronto Blue Jays are having an amazing offseason that is vaulting them past the competition in the American League. The winter is winding down and the Blue Jays are putting the finishing touches on a roster that could be poised for big things.

They still have another major move to make, and a recent report is taking viewers behind the curtain regarding Bo Bichette's contract demands. This report is providing some clarity regarding the slow-moving nature of his market.

MLB insider Jon Heyman reported that Bichette is "thought" to be seeking a free-agent contract around $300 million. If true, that would be an enormous ask from Bichette's representatives just as his market starts heating up.

Bo Bichette's asking price has likely gone beyond what Blue Jays are willing to give

Blue Jays fans have watched Bichette throughout his entire professional career and certainly want the two-time All-Star back in a Toronto uniform. He hit .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs last season. His 181 hits ranked second in baseball, a category he was pacing until missing the final few weeks of the regular season after he sprained his knee on September 6th.

Still, fans rightfully view that reported contract figure as insane given some of the comparisons. It's always felt like San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames is the most natural comparison given his similar age when he signed a seven-year, $182 million contract last winter. Paying $300 million for Bichette would represent a figure that is almost double what Adames received.

MLB Trade Rumors pegged Bichette for an eight year, $208 million contract earlier in the winter and Spotrac currently ranks his market value a tick lower. At this point, it's still early enough in the winter for Bichette to be holding out for a larger deal.

The Blue Jays are deeply involved with Kyle Tucker, where bidding was expected to approach somewhere in the neighborhood of $400 million. The Blue Jays are prioritizing Tucker because he is a better all-around player. On the other hand, there are legitimate questions about what Bichette can provide going forward.

How much better will Bichette's defense and baserunning fare after his injury? Everyone remembers that play where Bichette was hurting so much that he literally clogged the bases during the World Series. Plus, there are legitimate questions about just how effective Bichette will perform defensively after a position change. His defense has never been spectacular.

The Blue Jays are still interested in adding another big bat. GM Ross Atkins made clear during Kazuma Okamoto's press conference that the franchise has the support of ownership for further spending. Now the Blue Jays are waiting for the free agents to make the next move. At this point, fans can't necessarily accuse the Blue Jays of being cheap if Bichette's camp is asking for this crazy amount.

The Okamoto acquisition certainly crowded the infield picture, but Bichette can still fit given the versatility of the Korean star. Having said that, the chances of retaining Bichette feel slimmer than they have been in a long time.

The Blue Jays are fortunate that even if they miss out on Bichette, they still remain the favorites to sign Tucker. Blue Jays fans know that they will be happy in whichever way this game of muscial chairs plays out.