The Toronto Blue Jays appear to have locked up one of their homegrown stars in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. A Bo Bichette extension is going to take some more time.
Bichette was quick to express his happiness for his longtime teammate and friend after news of Guerrero's reported 14-year, $500-million extension. While the star shortstop still hopes to finish his career alongside Guerrero in a Blue Jays uniform, he also acknowledged no movement has been made toward his long-term deal.
"My goal as a kid was always to be with an organization my whole career and build a winning culture," Bichette told Sportsnet's Shi Davidi. "Obviously, that shifted to being with the Blue Jays forever and building a winning culture with Vladdy. Nothing's on the table right now, and I'm just focused on the game."
Doing that with the Blue Jays "would be my preference," Bichette added. "I think we're building something, and I think we're only getting older with more experience that is going to allow us to do that. But I have this season to worry about."
Bichette and Guerrero have become inextricably linked with one another since joining the Blue Jays organization as prospects. Both played their first professional seasons in 2016 and first became teammates at Single-A in 2017 before climbing the ladder together. They each reached the majors in 2019, with Guerrero beating Bichette to Toronto by three months.
Bichette has established himself as a reliable offensive player and franchise pillar at shortstop. The 27-year-old led the AL in hits twice during his first four seasons while helping lead Toronto to three playoff berths since 2020. However, he is coming off an injury-plagued 2024 campaign that saw him post a .598 OPS over 81 games.
He's off to a torrid start in 2025, though. He's yet to homer, but Bichette's hitting .295/.354/.386 with four extra-base hits through his first 48 plate appearances this season.
The Blue Jays bought out all three of Bichette's arbitration years in 2023 when they inked him to a three-year, $33.6-million contract. That deal still left Bichette in line to become a free agent this coming offseason. Should he get there, he'll be in line for a massive payday as one of the top available position players.
Although his future in Toronto remains uncertain, Bichette is confident Guerrero's deal with the Blue Jays will work out for both sides over the long term.
"Luckily, I was in the know a little bit earlier, but super-excited for him," Bichette said. "Something he wanted, something the organization wanted. Seems like it's going to be a good marriage."
