Don't be surprised if the Blue Jays' front office thinks they can now win without Bo Bichette

This offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays' front office faces a pivotal decision. They locked up Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in April, guaranteeing him 14 years, likely covering his entire career, which looks smart given Guerrero Jr.'s historic postseason performance. Now, the focus shifts to Bo Bichette. Recent successes from young players may give the front office confidence to forgo the significant investment required for Bichette.

Don't be surprised if the Blue Jays' front office thinks they can now win without Bo Bichette

During the beginning of the season, all the talk around the Blue Jays was what they would do with their two young superstars, who would become free agents at the end of this season. They solved half the discussion by signing Guerrero Jr. to a 14-year $500 million contract. Now, it remains Bo Bichette, but there have been no signs of a decision either way, as talks between the two parties were put off until the offseason.

The emergence of Bichette’s replacements may lead the Blue Jays to pass on extending Bichette and focus their money on impending free agents, including Chris Bassitt and Seranthony Domínguez, or to target the free-agent market this offseason.

After Bichette's September 6 knee sprain injury, the Blue Jays hit a road bump without their star shortstop, most noticeably the final stretch of the month during a tight battle for the AL East title.

Starting on September 17, the team went on a 1-6 stretch, allowing the New York Yankees to make up a five-game deficit to draw even in the AL East standings at the time. During the stretch, the Blue Jays only scored five runs combined in those six losses.

If the Blue Jays had collapsed and lost their division lead or failed in the postseason, extending Bichette would have been a mandate. Instead, the offense has dominated in both the ALDS and ALCS, with multiple players stepping up in Bichette's absence.

Andrés Giménez, Ernie Clement, and Addison Barger seamlessly adjusted to new defensive roles, maintaining strong infield performance and providing unexpected offensive firepower.

It's been an up-and-down season for the trio, mainly down. Giménez started the season hitting three home runs in his first five games. However, he only hit four more over his remaining 96 games. He finished his first season in Toronto, hitting .210/.285/.313 with seven home runs, 39 runs, and 35 knocked in, his least productive season since 2021, although it was the first season since then that he didn't play at least 146 games.

Barger had a decent first full MLB season, but his performance varied, alternating between hot and cold months. He finished the season slashing .243/.301/.454 with 21 home runs, 61 runs, and 74 knocked in, but struck out 121 times. Clement, typically not a major offensive contributor, was given a bigger role and delivered a modest .277/.313/.711 line with nine home runs, 83 runs, and 50 knocked in.

Both Giménez and Clement bring more value defensively, while Barger provides more power at the plate. However, in the postseason, all three players have stepped up as reliable offensive contributors, which contrasts with their regular-season trends and highlights their versatility as Bichette's stand-ins.

Clement, in particular, besides home runs, has matched Guerrero Jr. in offensive production, going 18-42 with 10 runs, a home run, seven knocked in, and a strong 1.063 OPS—just one fewer hit and run than Guerrero Jr.

Giménez rediscovered his power in the ALCS, hitting a two-run homer in both Games 3 and 4 to give the Blue Jays early 2-1 leads, and has eight RBIs and seven runs this postseason.

Barger, though less productive in counting stats with two home runs, four runs, and four knocked in, has boosted his value with five walks and an .889 OPS. Compared to Bichette, who is traditionally a cornerstone offensive player, these three have provided a collective surge, helping to reduce the gap created by Bichette's absence.

This postseason's strong output from unexpected sources may convince the Blue Jays' front office that the team can thrive without Bichette. Bichette's projected $186 million over 8 years, as noted by Spotrac, is only one factor. GM Ross Atkins must also weigh potential lockout risk after 2026, which could drive teams toward shorter and cheaper contracts this offseason.

If Atkins spends on a multi-year contract, he must be certain Bichette is the best choice. With Giménez, Clement, and Barger proving their value, the front office has compelling alternatives. Star free agents, such as Alex Bregman—likely to opt out of his Red Sox contract—will be top targets.

Alongside Bregman, Cody Bellinger, Kyle Tucker, and Kyle Schwarber will draw interest from multiple teams. Still, Atkins cannot ignore the risks: his recent investment in Anthony Santander ($92.5 million, five years) didn't pay off this season, as Santander struggled early and missed most of the season due to injuries.

The Blue Jays face a pivotal offseason that will test the resolve of their front office. Their decision on Bichette—whether to commit long-term, pivot to newly discovered postseason heroes, or pursue superstar free agents—could define the next decade.

In a fiercely competitive landscape and with the Dodgers chasing consecutive championships—the first since the Yankees' 1998-2000 three-peat—every choice will shape the legacy of this roster and the future of the franchise. The challenge: can the Blue Jays assemble a team strong enough to contend for a World Series title, with or without Bichette?