Atkins: Blue Jays will be in Bichette's 'market' in free agency

Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins said he'll attempt to re-sign star shortstop Bo Bichette this offseason.

"(Bichette's) been important. We will be in his market." Atkins said Thursday while addressing the media for the first time since Saturday's Game 7 loss of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

He added: "Bo has already had a massive impact on this organization and our ability to win baseball games and on the fan base. Really incredible - his performance - to think about what he accomplished in the playoffs ... not at 100%."

Bichette slashed .348/.444/.478 with one homer and six RBIs in the Fall Classic while dealing with a knee sprain that sidelined him for most of September, the ALDS, and the ALCS. He said during the World Series that he would 'risk it all' to win a title, and reaffirmed his desire to stay after the Blue Jays lost the series in heartbreaking fashion.

"I reflected on his ability, and toughness, and desire to be on the field in the condition he was in during the postseason, and his ability to still provide some of the most important lift in the World Series," Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro said.

The executive added: "He's been a special part of this organization and a special part of us building toward this."

The Blue Jays extended a one-year, $22.025-million qualifying offer to the two-time All-Star on Thursday, which means the club will receive draft compensation if he signs with a new team.

Bichette went deep 18 times with a career-high 44 doubles, 94 RBIs, and an .840 OPS over 139 regular-season games in 2025. The 27-year-old's spent his entire seven-year career with Toronto.