Toronto Blue Jays Fall to Yankees in Spring Training Game, Focus Shifts to Key Contract Decisions
The Toronto Blue Jays faced off against the New York Yankees on Friday in a Spring Training contest that ended in an 8-7 loss for Toronto. Despite the defeat, both teams finished the day with a 7-5 record in Grapefruit League play, placing them in a tie for fourth place alongside the Boston Red Sox.
Looking ahead, the Blue Jays are back in action on Saturday with a pair of split-squad games. One squad will face off against the Detroit Tigers, while the other will take on the Philadelphia Phillies. Notably, most of Toronto’s regulars will be appearing in the Detroit game, which will feature Max Scherzer on the mound. Behind Scherzer will be a formidable defensive lineup, including Bo Bichette, Anthony Santander, Andres Gimenez, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
While the team’s on-field performance continues to be a focal point this Spring, off-field concerns are also drawing attention, particularly regarding the contracts of the Blue Jays’ homegrown stars. The offseason was dominated by the drama surrounding Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s future in Toronto, as his contract situation became
Bo Bichette, the two-time All-Star shortstop, is also in the final year of his contract with Toronto. In an interview with Keegan Matheson of MLB.com last month, Bichette confirmed that there had been no discussions between him and the Blue Jays about a long-term extension.
“No, we haven’t had any talks,” Bichette said when asked about contract negotiations. He made it clear that his focus is squarely on the upcoming season, but also acknowledged the weight of the decision ahead.
Bichette’s candid comments come amid mounting speculation about his future in Toronto. While his contract situation may be looming, Bichette remains intent on giving his all for the Blue Jays in 2025. He also expressed his strong connection with Guerrero, who has been one of his closest friends both on and off the field.
“Vladdy is one of my best friends. We’ve had tons of conversations…” Bichette said, hinting that he and Guerrero share a mutual desire to continue playing together for years to come. The two stars have formed a dynamic duo in the heart of the Blue Jays lineup, and their potential long-term pairing is a storyline that could impact the team’s future direction.
With the season just beginning, all eyes will be on Bichette and Guerrero as they look to lead the Blue Jays to success while navigating the pressures of contract talks. For now, the focus remains on the Spring Training games ahead and the team’s preparations for the regular season. However, the looming contract decisions for Bichette and Guerrero will undoubtedly continue to shape the narrative surrounding the Blue Jays as 2025 progresses.
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