The Atlanta Braves have a rare opportunity this offseason to address one of their most pressing needs: elite production at a middle infield position. Bo Bichette, the Toronto Blue Jays' dynamic 27-year-old shortstop, has hit the open market after declining a $22.025 million qualifying offer, and he represents exactly the kind of impact talent the Braves should aggressively pursue. While the Blue Jays remain the favorites to retain their homegrown star, a well-constructed offer from Atlanta could change the equation entirely.
Bichette's 2025 performance speaks for itself. The versatile infielder slashed .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs, 94 RBIs, and a .840 OPS across 139 games for Toronto, demonstrating the kind of offensive consistency that changes lineups. He's a right-handed bat who can provide production from a premium defensive position, and at 28 years old heading into next season, he's entering the prime years of his career when elite talent commands top dollar.
10 Years, $220 Million for Bo Bichette
The Braves need to think big if they want to pull Bichette away from Toronto and the familiarity he's expressed with the organization. Current market projections have Bichette's value ranging anywhere from $185 million over seven years to as high as $250 million over ten years, depending on whether he's being evaluated as a shortstop or alternative position like second or third base.
The ideal contract for the Braves would be a ten-year, $220 million deal with a $22 million average annual value. This structure checks multiple boxes: it provides Bichette with legitimate long-term security while keeping the annual commitment manageable within Atlanta's payroll structure. The contract would include a full no-trade clause to demonstrate genuine commitment and would front-load the early years to benefit Bichette during his prime earning window.
Why This Works for Both Sides
For the Braves, acquiring Bichette solves a critical void in their middle infield. Atlanta has struggled to find consistent production at shortstop following Dansby Swanson's departure, and Bichette fills that gap with an elite offensive profile. More importantly, he's young enough to grow into a franchise cornerstone while remaining a productive major leaguer throughout his thirties.
The financial structure of the ten-year deal makes sense given Bichette's relatively clean injury history outside of his recent left knee sprain, which appears to have been a minor setback rather than a chronic issue. At $22 million annually, Atlanta could accommodate this contract while maintaining competitiveness in other areas, particularly if they front-load the agreement to reduce back-end obligations.
Bichette should find this offer attractive for several reasons. While he has publicly stated his desire to remain in Toronto, money and opportunity matter at this stage of free agency. The Blue Jays may prefer to diversify their spending between retaining Bichette and pursuing Kyle Tucker to round out their roster, creating an opening for a confident organization to swoop in. The Braves' organization, despite recent struggles, represents a market with devoted fans and a winning tradition that remains appealing to elite players.
The Braves cannot allow this opportunity to pass. Bo Bichette represents the kind of generational offensive talent at a premium position that typically hits the market once every five to ten years. A ten-year, $220 million contract with protections and incentives would demonstrate genuine commitment while still remaining fiscally responsible for an organization of Atlanta's market size and resources.
The window to pursue Bichette is narrow. Teams like the Phillies, Mets, Red Sox, and Tigers are all circling, and the Blue Jays remain entrenched as favorites. But if the Braves strike decisively with an offer that balances security, opportunity, and organizational commitment, they can change the trajectory of their franchise. In a sport where championships are often built around elite middle infielders, Bo Bichette is worth every penny of that investment.
