Bo Bichette’s Return Delayed Ahead of Blue Jays’ ALCS Clash

TORONTO, Canada — Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette is on the verge of a return but faces uncertainty as the team prepares for a critical American League Championship Series (ALCS) matchup. Bichette has not played since suffering a knee injury on September 6 against the New York Yankees.

Initially a frontrunner in the American League for hits, Bichette’s prolonged absence due to a left knee sprain has placed a question mark over his availability. Despite rigorous rehabilitation efforts, he re-injured himself while running the bases during effort to recover.

As the Blue Jays entered a best-of-three series against the Seattle Mariners on Friday, optimism grew regarding Bichette’s participation should the team advance to the World Series. MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson noted that while Bichette isn’t yet cleared to play, his condition is improving. “Bo Bichette is getting closer to being considered as an option for the Blue Jays,” Matheson reported.

Bichette, 27, enjoyed an impressive 2025 season, batting .311 with 181 hits in 139 games, which placed him second in the majors for hits. However, his absence from the postseason raises concerns about his contract status going into free agency this offseason, where he may attract significant interest from teams like the Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves.

This season, the Blue Jays have proven resilient without him, reaching the postseason but now face crucial decisions regarding their roster against a formidable Mariners team. If they win, they will have additional days to determine if Bichette can indeed hit the field.

Bichette’s hitting prowess could provide a major boost in the anticipated World Series showdown against the Los Angeles Dodgers, which looms should Toronto clinch a spot. Yet, the decision remains on whether to risk putting him back into the lineup while considering another player’s position.

For Bichette, returning to play not only represents a chance to help his team but also an opportunity to showcase his health before entering free agency, where he may chase a lucrative deal. As the Blue Jays hang on in the postseason, he remains a pivotal figure, and fans await news on his potential return.