Bo Bichette's return to Toronto is officially set

The schedule has Bichette back at Rogers Centre from June 29 to July 1, ending with Toronto's annual Canada Day matinee. It is a clean three games, and every pitch will come with extra noise.

What makes it spicier is the timing, because this reunion comes right after his free agency turn. Multiple reports say Bichette has agreed to a three year, $126 million deal with New York, but it has not been officially confirmed yet.

When you look at the numbers, it makes sense why the Mets pushed hard. In 2025 he hit .311 with 181 hits, 18 home runs, 94 RBIs, and a .840 OPS across 139 games.

I can already picture the groan in the lower bowl when Bichette digs in for his first at bat, because fans in Toronto remember exactly how many games his bat stole.

Bichette is still only 27, and he was Toronto's 66th overall pick back in 2016, so this one lands different than a late career cameo. This is a prime player, walking back into a park that used to feel like his.

On the field, the chess match is simple even if the emotions are not. The Blue Jays staff will try to get him off the plate early, and the Mets will happily let him hunt mistakes with runners aboard.

The fit in New York is the other wrinkle, because Francisco Lindor already owns shortstop. If Bichette ends up at third base like many expect, Toronto will get a fresh look at his bat without the familiar defensive angles.

However it plays, that July 1 finish is built for a moment, not just a result. Circle it now, then see if the Blue Jays can turn the emotion into two quick wins.