Resurgent Toronto Blue Jays Star Bo Bichette Out For Remainder Of Regular Season
The Toronto Blue Jays announced today that Shortstop Bo Bichette will miss the rest of the regular season with a PCL sprain in his left knee. Bichette hopes to rehab and be back in time for Toronto’s playoff run, but no timetable has been set for his return. Entering Tuesday, the Blue Jays hold a five-game lead over the second-place New York Yankees in the AL East and have the best record in the American League at 88-62. Toronto has been playing without Bichette since September 6, when the star shortstop was injured in a 3-1 loss to the New York Yankees on a play at home plate.
Replacing Bichette For the Stretch Run
With Bichette out, Toronto plans on moving three-time Gold Glove-winning Second Baseman Andrés Giménez to shortstop, the position he played his first two seasons in the majors. Utility Infielder Ernie Clement will take over for Giménez at second, and Addison Barger will start at third base. The Blue Jays recently picked up utilityman Isiah Kiner-Falefa from the Pirates, so expect him to see more playing time down the stretch as well.
Blue Jays Rallying Without Their Shortstop
After an injury-plagued 2024, Bichette was having a resurgent 2025. The 27-year-old is currently leading the majors in hits (181) and doubles(44), and leads the Jays in RBI (94). Bichette was slashing .311/ .358/.571 with 18 home runs. Despite how valuable his bat has been to their lineup, the Blue Jays have gone 6-2 in his absence.
They have just 12 games remaining in the regular season. If Toronto holds onto its current top seed, the team would earn a first-round bye and not have to play its first playoff game until October 4. The minimum recovery time for a mild PCL sprain is a couple of weeks, so a return in time for the playoffs is possible.
How The Injury Affects Contract Negotiations
Bichette is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season. The rest of Toronto’s season may well determine if the two-time All-Star remains a Blue Jay into the future. If the team’s offense sputters in his absence, his value may well rise. If he doesn’t return or the team plays great in his absence, his stock may fall. For his part, Bichette has made overtures that he would like to stay a Blue Jay. Toronto has already extended its other major star, giving Vladimir Guerrero Jr. a massive 14-year, $500 million deal.
