Why Bo Bichette is worth $200 million to the Blue Jays

Let’s cut through the noise. The Toronto Blue Jays just locked up Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a 14-year, $500 million deal.

Now, the question is: should Bo Bichette be next? The answer is a resounding yes.

And not just because he’s got great hair and a sweet swing. It’s because paying Bichette $200 million is a bargain in a league where Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani are pulling in the numbers that they've received.

Why Bo Bichette is worth $200 million to the Blue Jays

Bo Bichette: The Underrated Superstar

Bichette is one of the most consistent and productive shortstops in baseball.

While he struggled through a rough 2024 where he only hit .225 in 81 games due to injury, his 2023 season shows how good he can be. He finished the year hitting .306 with 20 home runs and 73 RBI while tallying an .814 OPS.

And if that wasn't enough, he also led the American League in hits in 2021 and '22.

When compared to peers like Trea Turner, who signed an 11-year, $300 million deal with the Phillies, Bichette's value becomes even more apparent. Turner had over 1,000 more plate appearances than Bichette at the time he signed his contract after the 2021 season, yet Bichette's production is on par — if not superior — in several key offensive metrics.

The Value of a Dynamic Duo

Now, let's talk about the economics of building a winning team. The Blue Jays have invested $500 million in Guerrero and, if they commit $200 million to Bichette, they'll have committed a combined $700 million for two cornerstone players. Compare that to the Mets' $765 million investment in Juan Soto or the Dodgers' $700 million deal with Shohei Ohtani and you've got a pretty clear win.

While Soto and Ohtani are phenomenal talents, the Blue Jays' approach offers more balance and depth. By securing two elite players for the price of one, Toronto ensures a more stable and versatile lineup.

This strategy mitigates the risk associated with long-term contracts and provides flexibility to build around these stars.​ Guerrero's contract includes a $325 million signing bonus, which allows for Guerrero to make his money but also frees up cap space for both the present and future.

In the high-stakes game of MLB contracts, the Blue Jays are playing smart. Investing $200 million in Bo Bichette is not just a reward for past performance, but rather a strategic move to secure the future.

Toronto's duo of Bichette and Guerrero that rivals any in the league, and a $200 million contract for Bichette would help the team maintain financial flexibility.

In a world where teams are shelling out three-quarters of a billion dollars for a single player, the Blue Jays' approach with Bichette has the potential to be both savvy and sustainable.