Blue Jays insider estimates Bo Bichette's contract ceiling, compares him to Mets' recent trade pickup

Toronto Blue Jays insider Keegan Matheson suggests that Bo Bichette's free agent market will likely be slower and more complex, but potentially expensive. The insider is confident that Bichette's leadership and work ethic justify a huge deal.

Matheson has been covering the Blue Jays since 2017 and became MLB.com's official Blue Jays beat writer in 2019. Meanwhile, the 27-year-old Bichette, a two-time All-Star for the Jays, is among the premier free agents available this offseason.

Matheson shared his thoughts on Bo Bichette's contract during Monday's episode of "Toronto Sports Rush".

"What's his average annual value at this point?" Matheson said (Timestamp: 14:40). "So, if he is getting, let's say, an eight-year deal, I don't think you want Bo until he's 40. But if you're going to sign him until he's 35, 30 on an 8-year deal, are you comfortable giving him 25 a year? Eight for 200. Is that the ceiling of where this goes?"

The insider earlier said Bichette is the most interesting free agent available, and as such, he will have a slower market. He is confident that a deal won't happen during the 2025 Winter Meetings.

Matheson also noted that some teams will likely try to get Bichette on a $22 to $24 million AAV range. Therefore, he believes Bichette is worth every penny, and the Blue Jays should sign him.

"He is, much like Marcus Semien," Matheson said. "Bo is very much a quiet leader. No one in the world has taken more ground balls or more batting practice rounds than Bo Bichette over the last six, seven years in MLB. He's a machine, and I think that any organization that has him in that clubhouse is immediately better."

Marcus Semien joined the New York Mets on Nov. 24 from the Texas Rangers, who got Brandon Nimmo and $5 million cash. As Nimmo was the longest-tenured Mets player, the move appeared surprising.

However, reports have emerged about friction in the Mets clubhouse between Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto. As such, some analysts believe the Mets acquired Semien for clubhouse leadership.

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Blue Jays insider gives his take on Bo Bichette's roster fit

In the same conversation on "Sports Rush Toronto," Keegan Matheson said that teams will evaluate Bo Bichette differently defensively. Bichette primarily played at shortstop, but Matheson suggested another position makes more sense if he chooses to re-sign with the Blue Jays.

"Now, in Toronto, I think this is a better roster if he's a second baseman," Matheson said (Timestamp: 13:24). "That is not a knock on Bo Bichette. It's kind of like relievers. When you get moved to the bullpen, it's not a downgrade anymore."

"Relievers get paid, second basemen get paid, and as long as Bo is paid properly, II don't think he's going to kick up too much of a stink where he plays defensively," he said.

However, Matheson doesn't think third base is a good position for Bichette. The insider is skeptical about the All-Star slugger's arm at the hot corner.