Toronto Blue Jays have taken another decisive step toward safeguarding their future at shortstop as uncertainty grows around Bo Bichette’s long-term outlook with the franchise. With their hopes of re-signing the two-time All-Star fading, Toronto continues to build contingency plans — and their latest acquisition signals a clear intent to prepare for life after Bichette.
Blue Jays brace for potential Bo Bichette departure
Bichette’s looming free agency has cast a long shadow over Toronto’s roster strategy. Despite his seven impactful seasons with the club, expectations are shifting rapidly, and projections for his upcoming contract point to a massive nine-figure deal. Estimates have extended as high as $208 million over eight years, a price point that may push him beyond Toronto’s financial comfort zone.
The challenge for the Blue Jays is clear: with six existing contracts already above $100 million — including Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s unprecedented $500 million, 14-year extension and Dylan Cease’s seven-year, $210 million deal — adding another blockbuster agreement is far from guaranteed. While Toronto remains hopeful about keeping Bo Bichette in the fold, the club’s payroll reality suggests they must move with caution.
Toronto Blue Jays adds power-hitting Rodolfo Castro to strengthen depth
This week, the Blue Jays made a strategic addition to address their shortstop depth, signing Rodolfo Castro, a switch-hitting infielder with significant power upside. As reported on the MiLB.com transactions page, Castro joins the Blue Jays on a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to Spring Training.
Castro, 26, was originally acquired by the Philadelphia Phillies at the 2023 trade deadline, though his time with the organization did not firmly establish him at the major-league level. Instead, he spent the season with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, delivering a productive campaign that showcased his raw strength. He recorded 19 home runs and 26 doubles, finishing with a .745 OPS.
Across 566 MLB at-bats, Castro has tallied 22 home runs but posted a .672 OPS — numbers that highlight both his experience and his need for consistency.
Currently playing in the Dominican Winter League for Estrellas Orientales, Castro has continued flashing his power with five home runs in just 55 at-bats, further reinforcing his potential value as organizational depth.
Blue Jays’ shortstop strategy becomes increasingly clear
Toronto’s acquisition of Castro follows last offseason’s move to trade for three-time Gold Glove second baseman Andres Gimenez, who filled in at shortstop for 15 games this year. Although Giménez remains the more established option, Blue Jays Blue Jays appear committed to building a strong internal safety net should Bichette depart.
Potential landing spots for Bo Bichette have already begun to surface, with the Detroit Tigers frequently mentioned as a plausible suitor. Meanwhile, team president and CEO Mark Shapiro seems intent on ensuring Toronto is not caught unprepared.