Blue Jays Get Bad News on Bo Bichette Amid Yankees, Dodgers, Cubs Free Agent Rumors

On New Year’s Day 2026, as the MLB offseason entered its next phase, Toronto Blue Jays fans received a gut punch courtesy of New York Post insider Jon Heyman: three powerhouse teams—the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Chicago Cubs—have all “checked in” on free-agent superstar Bo Bichette. This development significantly complicates Toronto’s efforts to re-sign their homegrown shortstop, who has repeatedly expressed a desire to remain a Blue Jay for life alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Bichette, now 27 and coming off a stellar .311/.357/.483 platform year with 18 homers and 94 RBIs despite a late-season knee injury, is the premier position player left on the market. His willingness to shift to second base (or even third) has broadened his appeal, turning what was once a quiet market into a potential bidding war. For the Blue Jays—who fell just short in the 2025 World Series against the Dodgers—this news couldn’t come at a worse time.

The Heyman Report: A Market Heating Up Overnight

Heyman’s January 1 scoop revealed that the Yankees, Dodgers, and Cubs join previously linked teams like the Red Sox and Mariners in pursuing Bichette. “Three previously unreported teams have checked on superstar Bo Bichette: Yankees, Dodgers, and Cubs,” he wrote, noting interest at shortstop, second base, and third base.

This influx of big-market contenders is the “bad news” for Toronto: deep-pocketed rivals with roster flexibility and championship aspirations. The Blue Jays have been vocal about wanting Bichette back, but now face stiffer competition for a player projected to command $200-250 million over 8-10 years.

Bichette’s versatility is key. After playing second base for the first time in the 2025 World Series (while hobbled by a PCL sprain), he signaled openness to a permanent move—addressing defensive concerns that have seen his range decline.

Why These Teams Make Scary Fits

New York Yankees: With Anthony Volpe struggling and slated to miss early 2026 after labrum surgery, the Yankees are fielding calls on Jazz Chisholm Jr. Trading Chisholm opens second base for Bichette, pairing his right-handed bat with Juan Soto and Aaron Judge. A divisional rival snatching Bichette would sting immensely for Jays fans.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Fresh off back-to-back titles, L.A. has Mookie Betts at short but holes at second (Hyeseong Kim projected starter) and long-term at third (Max Muncy signed only through 2026). Bichette could slide to second or third, forming a terrifying infield with Betts and Freddie Freeman. The Dodgers’ “lurking” reputation in free agency makes them a nightmare suitor—especially after beating Toronto in the ’25 Series.

Chicago Cubs: Pursuing Alex Bregman as priority, but Bichette is a fallback. With Dansby Swanson at short and trade buzz around Nico Hoerner, second base could open. Adding Bichette’s bat upgrades an already potent lineup.

Other mentions include the Giants (Willy Adames at short) and Mariners, but the Yankees/Dodgers/Cubs trio elevates the threat level.

Bichette’s 2025 Season: A Perfect Platform Year

Bichette silenced doubters with a bounce-back campaign:

• .311 AVG (2nd in MLB)
• .840 OPS
• 44 doubles, 18 HR, 94 RBI
• Led AL in hits before knee injury

He returned for limited World Series duty, heroically contributing despite pain. Fully healthy for 2026, his elite contact, power, and hard-hit rates (99th percentile) make him a middle-order force.

Toronto’s Position: Desire vs. Competition

The Blue Jays remain frontrunners—Bichette wants to stay, and GM Ross Atkins has prioritized a reunion. Recent contact with his camp increased, per insiders. Toronto’s aggressive offseason (Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce signings) shows win-now urgency around Guerrero Jr.’s prime.

But payroll constraints loom: Projected near luxury tax threshold, adding Bichette’s massive deal requires creativity (back-loading, deferrals) or trades.

If rivals drive up the price or years, Toronto risks losing their cornerstone.

Fan Reaction and Broader Implications

Blue Jays Nation erupted: frustration at potential loss to rivals, especially Yankees (AL East foe) or Dodgers (Series villains). “Keep Bo in Toronto!” trended on social media.

Losing Bichette reshapes the infield—Andrés Giménez at short, Ernie Clement/Addison Barger elsewhere—but guts lineup chemistry with Guerrero.

His market could dictate others (Bregman, Cody Bellinger). If Bichette signs big elsewhere, it signals Toronto’s window narrowing despite recent contention.

What’s Next?

Spring training looms in weeks. Bichette’s slow market may accelerate with these check-ins. Toronto must decide: match escalating offers or pivot (Tucker? Bregman?).

For now, January 1 brought unwelcome reality—Bo Bichette’s future is murkier, and Blue Jays fans brace for a potential heartbreak.