The Toronto Blue Jays were one win away from winning their third-ever World Series title, and first since 1993, in the 2025 campaign.
And in the first month of free agency, the organization has done its best to make sure it returns to that point and finishes the job in 2026.
The Blue Jays have been one of the most active teams this offseason. They signed starting pitcher Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract; reportedly have contract extensions in the final stages for manager John Schneider and CEO/president Mark Shapiro; signed pitcher Cody Ponce from the Korean Baseball Organization; and reportedly are one of the teams in the running to sign outfielder, and four-time All-Star, Kyle Tucker.
Toronto is reportedly also interested in bringing back one of the best hitters this past season in the American League, shortstop Bo Bichette.
Bichette’s offseason could have an added commitment to it, which could affect how teams approach a potential deal with him.
According to a report on “X” from Francys Romero, Bichette is reportedly on the preliminary roster for Brazil for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
According to Romero’s report, Bichette’s participation in the international tournament will depend on which team signs him and if he gets the necessary approval.
Bichette’s mother is a native of Brazil, which meets the qualifications for him to compete for the country in the WBC.
Bichette’s brother, Dante Bichette Jr., is also a member of Brazil’s WBC team. According to Romero’s report, it’s a “family dream” for the two brothers to play together in the tournament.
The two brothers competed for Brazil in the qualifying round of the WBC in 2016, the same season Bo Bichette was drafted in the second round of that year’s MLB Draft by the Blue Jays.
Dante Bichette Jr. was drafted with the 55th overall pick in the 2011 MLB Draft by the New York Yankees and had stops with the Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals organizations, but never made an appearance in a major league game.
Bo Bichette was named second-team All-MLB this year. He scored 78 runs in 139 games, and hit 44 doubles, a triple and 18 home runs with 94 RBIs. He slashed .311/.357/.483 with an .840 OPS.
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