While terms of the deal were not disclosed Tuesday, reports are that the Toronto Blue Jays have extended Bo Bichette for the next three seasons and avoid arbitration with the shortstop. If accurate, the new deal will buy out all three of Bichette’s arbitration years and ensures the two sides avoid a hearing. Bichette will have the opportunity to test free agency three seasons from now, after the 2025 season.

Reports were that the Blue Jays and Bichette were far apart in their offers. Last month Bichette filed at $7.5 million while the Blue Jays countered at $5 million. That $2.5 million gap was tied for the largest in MLB with Kyle Tucker of the Houston Astros. Clearly, it appears they’ve come to a place where both sides are happy. According to Ben-Nicholson Smith, “One industry source suggested something like $33.5 million would be a reasonable total for Bo Bichette’s three arbitration years. In the range of $6, $11, $16.5. Give or take.”

The Blue Jays picked Bichette in the second round (66th overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft. Coming out of high school he received a $1.1 million signing bonus. The 24-year-old Bichette slashed .290/.333/.469 with 24 homers and 93 RBI in 159 games last season. During the 2022 season, he started slow and struggled early — he was dropped to seventh in the batting order. After that, he got shot out of a cannon offensively and went on an incredible run. He hit .406 with seven homers and 27 RBIs in September. If the Blue Jays are getting the player who showed up in September and October, this rumored deal will be considered a huge value.

The big money will come in three years, but for now, this deal provides the Blue Jays with some cost certainty. The two sides have pushed the big negotiations down the road a bit.