MLB fans react to Bo Bichette's possible contract extension with the Blue Jays to avoid arbitration - "Imagine it’s a massive extension"

Bo Bichette and the Blue Jays have reached an agreement on a three-year contract that will keep him out of arbitration in 2023 and cover three years of remaining arbitration eligibility. The contract won't affect the team's window of club control as it will prolong the player's path to free agency.

"Per sources, BlueJays have now avoided arb with Bo Bichette on a multi-year deal," Ben Nicholson Smith tweeted. "Terms still unclear but sources said a three-year term was under active discussion this week."

When the postseason arrived, Bichette settled into the No. 2 spot after being shuffled around the lineup as the Blue Jays experimented with various combinations to stoke their offense in the summer. He batted.250 with a double in Toronto's two-game loss to the Seattle Mariners in the playoffs.

"Imagine it’s a massive extension," Kevin Gausman Enjoyer tweeted.

"Awesome news!" Jason Kinsey tweeted.

After achieving a three-year service barrier over the summer, Bo Bichette entered arbitration for the first time this winter. He was expected to enter that process with a 393-game MLB career, a 297/340/491/slash line, 69 home runs, 239 RBIs and 46 stolen bases. He hit.290/.333/.469 with 24 home runs, 93 RBIs and 13 steals in 2022, which was roughly in line with his career averages.

"Now that arb is done lock him up for real this time," @Josh__perry tweeted.

Bo Bichette has the potential to become a legendary Blue Jay

The contract's financial details have not been disclosed. Last month, Bichette's team requested a $7.5 million salary, to which the Jays responded with a $5 million demand.

The Houston Astros and outfielder Kyle Tucker, who are also in talks about a potential multi-year deal, had a $2.5 million gap between them that was tied as the biggest between a team and a player this offseason.

The three-year agreement overrides this and ensures that the Blue Jays and Bichette won't take part in the arbitration process. Therefore, it is no longer relevant.

"“It's really hard to hit 95. It's way harder to hit it when you're thinking about where your legs or hands are. Then your focus isn't on the ball. So, when I struggle, it's most often because I'm thinking about my swing instead of just trusting my preparation.” Bo Bichette" PeabodyHitDev tweeted.

Bo Bichette's name has been mentioned frequently in negotiations about extensions with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. There is obvious temptation on both sides, with so many young superstars in baseball getting enormous deals, some before even reaching their arbitration years. It's important to strike a balance that makes sense for all sides.