In awarding Bo Bichette a three-year, $33.6 million deal, Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins also included incentive bonuses that could boost the shortstop’s contract to more than $40 million, if he achieves MVP status.
The Blue Jays and Bichette avoided salary arbitration earlier this week.
Bichette will earn a base salary of 2.85 million this year, 11 million in 2024 and 16.5 million in the final year of his contract.
The athlete gets a signing bonus of 3.25 million, while he could receive an additional 2.25 million if he is named MVP.
Bichette will receive $1.25 million if he finishes second or third in the honor ballot and $250,000 with a fourth or fifth place finish.
The shortstop, who turns 25 on March 5, was asking for a $723,500 raise to $7.5 million, while the Blue Jays offered him $5 million.
The salary arbitration session between the two camps was scheduled for Thursday.
“I know our team was happy to see this outcome,” Atkins said. We would much rather have this meeting today than discuss the outcome of the hearing. »
Bichette could therefore become a free agent at the end of the 2025 season. However, Atkins mentioned being open to agreeing on a long-term contract with his player.
“We’re always open to that,” said the general manager. The discussions are there, as is the case with many players. It’s a step in the right direction, because in the end you don’t agree on a contract based on the results of a single season. »
Despite a rather ordinary start to the season, Bichette found her rhythm in September. He’s hit seven home runs and .406 in his last 32 games, with 27 RBIs.
The Jays’ training camp begins Monday with pitchers and receivers in Dunedin, Florida. The other players, including Bichette, will join them three days later.
The Blue Jays’ 2023 season kicks off on the road March 30, with playoffs against the Cardinals, Royals and Angels.
The Blue Jays’ first home game is April 11 against the Tigers.