These days, Bo Bichette is often seen smiling. Yes, one big reason for that might be his engagement to girlfriend, Alexis, in May and their upcoming nuptials in January. But let’s also not rule out that the shortstop’s solid performances lately after an injury-plagued 2024 season have pointed squarely toward one thing: That there’s hope for the future.

 The Toronto Star columnist Rosie DiManno predicted it first in early July: “The team’s excellence and winning trajectory has all but ruled out that pending free-agent Bichette will be moved by the trade deadline.” Notably, Toronto currently sits at 59-41 after their fourth straight win, and 11th consecutive victory at home (a franchise record). Bichette has been on fire, especially during their latest 4-1 win over the New York Yankees, contributing with a two-run double that gave his team a major lead. Overall, the 27-year-old is batting .282 with 12 home runs and 57 RBIs through 97 games. But how realistic is this performance-related hope in the face of money?

Currently, Bichette stands at a critical crossroad with free agency fast approaching. Last season, the shortstop and his close friend/All-Star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. were both staring down an unrestricted free agency status in 2026. While the duo were keen on staying with the organization long-term, the Blue Jays only offered Guerrero Jr a 14-year, $500 million contract earlier this season. Meaning? They might not have the money to keep Bichette, too. But, like we said, he’s been hopeful, which was evident from his recent remarks.

On July 21, TV Sports Broadcaster Hazel Mae took to X to ask about an important question she asked the shortstop. “Asked Bo Bichette how he would compare this 2025 Blue Jays squad to ones he was a part of in the past:,” the tweet mentioned. Bichette’s answer? “This is the best team I’ve ever been on.” Now couple that with what the player said in September last year, and looks like the player is really committed on not leaving. “When I had time to think about what I want, basically, my ultimate goal really is to play with Vladdy [Guerrero Jr.] forever, to win a championship with him and to do that with this organization,” he had told Sportsnet‘s Shi Davidi.

Having said that, he also raved about the electric atmosphere in the stands. Per MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson, “This is what I remember watching on TV when I was 17 years old at home, with Bautista and Donaldson,” he said, referencing the 2015 season, which holds a special place in Blue Jays’ history.

In 2015, Toronto broke a 22-year playoff drought and captivated the fanbase. Their offense, led by AL MVP Josh Donaldson, was a juggernaut. They finished with 232 home runs and a 117 OPS. That season also saw the iconic ‘Bat Flip’ from slugger José Bautista.

The 2016 squad also provided a powerful encore performance with a final record of 89-73. They finished with a tally of 221 homers with Edwin Encarnación hitting 42 of them. Encarnación also finished first in the AL with 127 RBIs. He created his own legendary moment with a walk-off bat drop in the AL Wild Card game.

They are good at getting on base via walks and are second in on-base percentage, while recording the lowest strikeout rate in the majors. But, they are also confronting a weakness that threatens to derail their championship aspirations.

What’s Blue Jays Achilles’ heel?

The Blue Jays’ biggest issue is on the mound. The starting pitching has been a major liability, while the offense grinds its way to victories. The starters have a 4.60 earned run average, which ranks a woeful 25th in Major League Baseball. The high-profile signing of Max Scherzer was complicated by injury. Thankfully, he is back on the mound now and showing some form.

But Bowden Francis, a promising arm, has struggled badly with the long ball, giving up 12 homers in his first eight starts, displaying a lack of rotation depth.

Even the team’s veterans haven’t stood out. Kevin Gausman (4.01 ERA) and Chris Bassitt (3.89 ERA) have ERAs worse than their career ERAs. Southpaw Eric Lauer has been a pleasant surprise, though, with a 2.80 ERA, but relying on one performer is a risky bet. This inconsistency has placed an immense strain on the bullpen. The relief corps has been a strength, ranking second in the league in strikeouts. But they have also been overworked.

And, it has created problems with the team’s key setup man, Yimi García, now dealing with ulnar nerve symptoms, the same ailment that troubled him last season, too. This leaves a hole, and although closer Jeff Hoffman has looked dominant, the front office cannot afford to stand pat.

The path forward is clear: Toronto must be aggressive at the trade deadline and acquire high-impact pitching to support the team Bichette loves so much. There are some interesting options in the market to reinforce the pitching staff. A workhorse like Pittsburgh’s Mitch Keller could settle things for the rotation.

The Diamondbacks’ Merrill Kelly has playoff experience and has pitched well of late, with a 2.72 ERA in his last nine starts. In the bullpen, established closers like David Bednar of the Pirates or Ryan Helsley of the Cardinals could reshape the late innings. Who do you think the Blue Jays should go for?