Bichette: Blue Jays enter 2024 being doubted for 1st time

All-Star shortstop Bo Bichette believes the Toronto Blue Jays are entering the 2024 season flying under the radar compared to the past few years.

"I think it's the first time we're being doubted," Bichette told reporters Wednesday, including Sportsnet. "We've always had high expectations, and I think it's definitely a different mindset trying to prove people right than trying to prove people wrong."

The Blue Jays have made the postseason the last two years but were swept in the wild-card series both times.

Bichette admitted it's hard to ignore how the perception of the club has shifted entering the season.

"I think we'd all be lying if we don't see any of it, or it doesn't motivate us in any sort of way," Bichette said. "I think there's guys who have pride in there and want to show people what we can do."

Bichette made his second All-Star Game appearance in three years in 2023. The 25-year-old hit .306 with 20 home runs, 69 runs scored, and 73 RBIs across 135 games.