Bo Bichette, the Toronto Blue Jays‘ star shortstop, faces uncertainty about his future with the team due to concerns surrounding the artificial turf at Rogers Centre. His hesitation about playing half of his games on turf has complicated contract talks as the offseason progresses in early 2026.
Bichette’s Discomfort With Rogers Centre’s Playing Surface
While the Blue Jays recently lost key targets Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz to rival teams, questions remain about retaining Bichette, who has spent his entire MLB career in Toronto. According to MLB insider Mark Feinsand, Bichette has privately expressed wariness about the physical toll that playing on artificial turf may impose, which could influence his decision whether to stay.
Losing out on Tucker certainly increases the chances of a reunion with Bichette,
Feinsand wrote on January 15, 2026.
But by no means does it make it a sure thing. According to sources, Bichette has privately expressed concern about the physical impact of playing half of his games on the artificial turf at Rogers Centre, which could play into his ultimate decision.
That said, Bichette is very close with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and likes the idea of the pair playing their entire careers as lifelong Blue Jays. But the Phillies are lurking as serious contenders for Bichette, who held a Zoom meeting with them last week.
Bichette’s Past Injuries Raise Turf Concerns
One possible link to Bichette’s hesitations lies in his recent injury history, which includes knee, calf, and quad problems. The Score’s MLB supervising editor Brandon Wile highlighted the challenges players might face transitioning from dirt infield to artificial turf while wearing spikes, potentially causing discomfort or increased injury risk for infielders like Bichette.
Bichette plays on dirt, but I’m wondering if the transition of running from the infield onto the turf in spikes to make certain plays is something infielders find uncomfortable,
Wile said.
Not something I’ve heard, but Bo has had calf, quad, knee injuries.
Fox Sports reports Bichette endured two knee injuries during the past year alone, in addition to multiple leg-related injuries over the previous three seasons, which could be a factor in his apprehension about the turf.
Financial Factors Affecting Bichette’s Return
Beyond the physical concerns, Bichette’s contract negotiations also involve financial considerations. The Blue Jays and Bichette reportedly have a substantial gap between what the team is willing to offer and his market expectations, complicating discussions further.
This may reopen a pathway for his return,
MLB reporter Shi Davidi commented following Tucker’s signing with the Dodgers.
Even if it’s believed there’s a big financial gap with Bichette, who met with the Philadelphia Phillies this week.
Implications for Toronto’s Offseason Plans
With the offseason progressing, the Blue Jays appear to be nearing the end of major roster moves. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic noted that despite missing out on Tucker, Toronto remains a strong favorite to repeat as American League champions, having spent over $337 million in free agency to date.
The Jays are a strong bet to repeat as American League champions even after striking out on Tucker,
Rosenthal explained on January 15, 2026.
They have spent more than any other team in free agency, with a combined $337 million. If Bellinger goes back to the Yankees and Bichette signs with the Phillies, the rest of the Jays’ offseason likely will include only minor alterations.
Cody Bellinger is another player linked to the Blue Jays, competing with the Yankees for his signature. Bichette has attracted interest from multiple teams including the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Philadelphia Phillies, who appear most serious.
Adding to roster depth, Toronto signed Eloy Jimenez and Rafael Lantigua to minor league contracts with Spring Training invitations on January 14, 2026. Jimenez, primarily a designated hitter and outfielder, showed power in his rookie year with the White Sox but struggled with strikeouts. Lantigua is a versatile utility player who has performed in several infield and outfield positions at the AAA level in recent seasons.
Future Outlook for Bichette and the Blue Jays
The Blue Jays face the challenge of balancing Bichette’s turf and financial concerns amid evolving roster needs. While internal players could step up, or trades could add depth, the possibility of Bichette’s departure cannot be overlooked. His close relationship with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and desire to remain a lifelong Blue Jay conflict with the realities of his health worries and market offers, leaving his return far from certain.
Bichette plays on dirt, but I’m wondering if the transition of running from the infield onto the turf in spikes to make certain plays is something infielders find uncomfortable. Not something I’ve heard, but Bo has had calf, quad, knee injuries. https://t.co/HKExL3nQDt
— Brandon Wile (@Brandon_N_Wile) January 16, 2026
