The departure of Bo Bichette from the Toronto Blue Jays was not a loss in free agency but a deliberate organizational decision, according to analysis. The front office, led by Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins, was never seriously in the game to retain the homegrown star, who ultimately signed a staggering three-year, $126 million contract with the New York Mets.
A Strategic Non-Pursuit
The Blue Jays' offer for Bichette, if one was formally extended, was not competitive with the market. While the Philadelphia Phillies presented a more traditional seven-year, $200 million proposal, the Mets secured the shortstop with a short-term, high-average annual value deal featuring player opt-outs. Toronto's strategy shifted significantly with the earlier signing of Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto, a move that made Bichette expendable and came at a cost $26 million less than the Mets' commitment.
The front office's stance on Bichette appeared long-standing, tracing back to the controversial firing of the scout who championed drafting him. The subsequent acquisition of shortstop Andres Gimenez, despite his burdensome contract, signaled a clear readiness for a post-Bichette era. For the fans who emotionally connected with Bichette as one of the franchise's most popular and productive talents, the business-first approach of the Shapiro-Atkins regime offered little romance.
Ripple Effects and Roster Philosophy
The decision not to chase Bichette or fellow elite free agent Kyle Tucker, who joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, reflects a specific team-building philosophy. Manager John Schneider's strength in 2025 was his fluid lineups and positional flexibility, an "everyman culture" that could have been constrained by adding another superstar with a fixed role. The moves, or lack thereof, preserve that managerial flexibility.
Simmons notes that the team's offensive performance in the playoffs—scoring 71 runs in 11 games without Bichette—may have reinforced the front office's belief in its depth. The core question now becomes whether the surprise contributors from last summer can sustain their success. The roster still has needs, notably another late-inning reliever, while the market still holds names like Cody Bellinger, though his .188 average against Toronto in the Divisional Series gives pause.
Around the Sports World
The column also touches on several other major sports topics. In the NHL, Tampa Bay's Jon Cooper and Florida's Paul Maurice are highlighted as deserving candidates for the Jack Adams Award as coach of the year, with both achieving success despite significant injuries to key players like Victor Hedman and Aleksander Barkov.
In basketball, the challenge of evaluating Toronto Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic is discussed, given the team's persistent injury issues preventing a consistent starting lineup. Meanwhile, the impact of Caitlin Clark on the WNBA is underscored with stunning figures: the Indiana Fever's average attendance skyrocketed from 4,060 before her arrival to over 17,000, and the franchise's value quadrupled.
Finally, Simmons confirms his official X (formerly Twitter) account, @simmonssteve, has been compromised and he is locked out, disavowing any recent posts from the profile he built over 17 years.
