The pathway to the majors is now open for these 2 players after Bichette's departure

It's the end of an era in Toronto as Bo Bichette said goodbye to the Blue Jays and made a move to Queens, New York, to play for the New York Mets.

In reality, it is a sentimental loss of somebody who grew up in front of the eyes of Blue Jays fans and became one of the most popular players in Toronto franchise history. Of course, also a tough blow in terms of losing a player who resurged in 2025 and was almost the deciding factor for a World Series title.

With Bichette's departure, it allows infielder Andrés Giménez to permanently call shortstop home after impressing in September and in the playoffs. Although Giménez isn't an unrestricted free agent until 2031, it doesn't mean the door can't be open for two shortstop prospects who may have a better path to the Majors with Bichette's departure.

Arjun Nimmala and JoJo Parker have an easier path to the Majors

The Blue Jays currently have two shortstop prospects, both of whom are in the top three of the franchise's Top 30 list: JoJo Parker (ranked second) and Arjun Nimmala (ranked third). Neither will see the Majors anytime soon, but it's great that there are options at shortstop for the Blue Jays' future.

Nimmala is currently with the Vancouver Canadians in Advanced Single-A and is looking to improve from a decent 2025. Ranked 68th in MLB's Top 100 Prospects list, Nimmala slashed .224/.313/.381 with a .694 OPS. He finished the year with 13 home runs and 61 RBIs in 120 games. Defensively, Nimmala posted a .957 fielding percentage in 98 games at shortstop.

The 20-year-old will most likely continue to see time in Vancouver before a call-up to New Hampshire. His current projected MLB debut is in 2028, enough time to continue developing for a potential spot in the Majors.

Parker has yet to see playing time in the minor leagues, but there's a lot to be excited about with the number eight draft pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. In an interview with Rogers Sportsnet's David Singh, Parker never had an instructor during his time in high school, yet showed clear power and contact at Purvis High School in Mississippi. That all changes once he gets settled with the Blue Jays' coaches.

Winner of the Gatorade Mississippi Baseball Player of the Year, Parker is expected to continue developing his power in the Minors. The Blue Jays hope to help him get settled at shortstop and maybe even third base, if necessary.

Regardless, it's the start of a long journey for Parker, for whom MLB set his ETA to the Majors for 2029. However, being ranked second before ever taking a swing in any capacity is a telling story. Whether it's Nimmala or Parker as the Blue Jays' everyday shortstop in the next four to five years, Toronto will be covered following Bichette's departure.