The Toronto Blue Jays originally hoped to retain Bo Bichette, but the early returns of the 2026 MLB season suggest they may not be regretting that decision after all.
Bichette ultimately signed a lucrative three-year, $126 million deal with the New York Mets in free agency an agreement that includes opt-out clauses allowing him to test the market again as soon as next offseason. While Toronto had interest in bringing him back, the front office appeared hesitant to commit to a contract averaging $42 million annually.
Instead, the Blue Jays shifted direction, investing in Japanese standout Kazuma Okamoto on a more modest four-year, $60 million deal. So far, that decision is paying off.
Although it’s still very early in the season, the contrast between the two players has been noticeable. Bichette has struggled out of the gate in New York, managing just three hits in his first 27 at-bats. Meanwhile, Okamoto has quickly made a strong impression in Toronto, already drawing attention as a rising impact player in his first week in Major League Baseball.
Of course, the small sample size makes it far too soon to draw any long-term conclusions. Bichette has an established track record as one of the league’s premier hitters, having led the American League in hits multiple times and played a key role for Toronto during the 2025 postseason even while recovering from a knee injury.
There’s every reason to believe he will eventually settle in and produce at a high level for the Mets. Still, in the short term, the Blue Jays appear comfortable and perhaps even confident in their new direction.
For now, Toronto’s lineup looks just fine with Okamoto anchoring the infield, while Bichette works through his early-season struggles in New York.
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