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After their challenging Game 3 loss to the Dodgers, Ernie Clement summed it up perfectly. He said, “That’s what we do — we bounce back.” And that’s exactly what the Blue Jays did. Despite losing key slugger George Springer, who left Game 3 with right-side discomfort and has since been ruled out for the rest of the World Series, the team didn’t crumble. Well, the Jays have weathered heartbreak before this season. But they still found ways to fight back, and Game 4 was no different. With Springer sidelined, Bo Bichette, just back from injury himself, stepped up big time to help Toronto even the series. After the win, manager John Schneider couldn’t stop praising Bichette for delivering when it mattered most. And yes, Schneider might have just shared an indication of the future! ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad “I’ll never count Bo out against anybody with a bat in his hand, at any point in the calendar year.” Schneider can’t help praising his prized possession. Since returning from injury, Bichette hasn’t been a regular in the Blue Jays’ lineup as Schneider has been easing him back carefully. But with Springer out, Game 4 was one he had to play, and he made it count. Notably, Bichette went 1-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base, sparking that crucial four-run rally in the seventh inning. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Now, heading into the game, losing Springer was a huge blow, and understandably so. He’s been one of Toronto’s biggest postseason performers, with 4 HRs and an .884 OPS this month, including a clutch three-run shot in Game 7 of the ALCS against Seattle. So, replacing that kind of production and leadership isn’t easy. But if anyone could step into that role, it’s Bichette… Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports Hitting .311 with an .840 OPS this season, he’s been one of the team’s most reliable bats. And also one of the few who’s handled the Dodgers’ high-velocity pitching well. Now, with Springer officially sidelined for the rest of the World Series, Bichette is expected to take the reins. Still, even with his heroics, fans should brace themselves as Schneider’s statement indicates more than just praise. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad The Blue Jays might be counting days with Bichette Yes, you read that right! Bo Bichette could be down to his final three games in a Blue Jays uniform. Almost ten years after being drafted back in 2016, he is set to hit free agency for the first time this winter. While he’s still chasing his dream of winning a World Series, his future in Toronto is far from certain after this season. According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, Bichette could command a seven-year, $180 million+ deal on the open market. Reportedly, nine potential teams, including the Blue Jays, are expected to show interest. “As long as teams have a clear sense of the health of his knee, Bichette will have plenty of suitors in free agency because he could be considered a fit as a shortstop, a third baseman, or a second baseman,” Bowden said. Now, that kind of price tag will definitely make the Jays think twice about how far they’re willing to go to keep their longtime shortstop. That too, when he hasn’t always been their go-to option at short in the biggest moments. And guess what, Schneider just added to the uncertainty. His cryptic comment — “never… at any point in the calendar year” — only deepens the mystery around Bichette’s future. And for fans, the thought of losing one of the team’s most reliable and homegrown stars is something they definitely won’t want to face.
