Reds Legend Credits $33.6M Bo Bichette — Not Vladimir Guerrero Jr. — as Driving Force Behind Blue Jays’ 2025 AL Dominance
The Toronto Blue Jays have staged one of Major League Baseball’s most striking turnarounds this year, bouncing back from a disappointing 2024 season to reclaim their place among the league’s elite. Once written off as underachievers, the two-time World Series champions now find themselves in control of the American League East, boasting the best record in the AL and a renewed sense of belief.
While much of the public attention has focused on star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who earlier this year inked a massive contract extension to remain the face of the franchise, one former MLB great believes another name deserves the bulk of the credit — and it’s not Guerrero.
Cincinnati Reds legend Sean Casey, known for his sharp baseball insights and affable personality, made the case on his YouTube channel that shortstop Bo Bichette is the true driving force behind Toronto’s resurgence.
“Bo Bichette, man, are you paying attention to what he’s doing?” Casey asked emphatically in his August 8 segment. “It’s been incredible. Guerrero is having a nice year, but Bo Bichette, I think, is leading the league in hits. He’s hitting .300, rocking an .815 OPS, with 16 bombs and 78 RBIs. He’s leading the Blue Jays in RBIs too. This is big-time production.”
Casey went on to point out that Bichette’s resurgence is even more impressive considering where he was a year ago. “Bo didn’t have a great year last year, and I think people kind of wrote him off. But Toronto’s in first place now, and he’s a big reason why. I’m excited for the Blue Jays — they’re a fun team to watch — and right in the middle of all this awesomeness is Bo Bichette, hitting home runs, hitting for average, driving in runs, and being the catalyst he’s been for years.”
Bichette, 27, is currently playing out the final season of the three-year, $33.6 million contract he signed before the start of the 2023 campaign. Unless the Blue Jays lock him up before the offseason, the two-time All-Star will hit free agency this winter — and with the way he’s performing, his market value could soar.
From Bottom of the Division to AL’s Best Record
For Blue Jays fans, the transformation from 2024 to 2025 has been nothing short of dramatic. Just a year ago, Toronto stumbled through a frustrating, inconsistent campaign, finishing dead last in the AL East with a 74–88 record. The offense sputtered, pitching was erratic, and the clubhouse lacked the spark that had fueled previous postseason pushes.
That bitter ending left many wondering if the team’s championship window had quietly closed. Bichette himself endured a down season by his own high standards, dealing with stretches of poor contact and nagging injuries that limited his impact. Meanwhile, rivals in the division — including the Yankees, Orioles, and Rays — seemed to be pulling further ahead.
Fast-forward to 2025, and the picture could not be more different. Toronto has stormed to the top of the AL East standings, holding the best record in the entire league and positioning itself for its first division title since 2015. The offense has clicked, the pitching staff has delivered, and players have embraced a collective sense of urgency.
Bichette’s role in that revival has been central. Whether he’s coming through with clutch hits, sparking rallies with aggressive baserunning, or steadying the infield defense at shortstop, his presence has been felt on a nightly basis. Guerrero’s power and star appeal remain undeniable, but Bichette’s all-around contributions have arguably been the glue holding the lineup together.
Bichette’s 2025 by the Numbers
At this stage of the season, Bichette’s stat line tells the story of a player operating at the peak of his abilities. His .300 batting average reflects improved contact quality and consistency at the plate. The .815 OPS underscores a balanced offensive approach — capable of both hitting for average and producing extra-base power.
His 16 home runs and 78 RBIs lead the team, with many of those RBIs coming in key situations. More importantly, Bichette has delivered when it matters most — with runners in scoring position and in tight, late-game moments. Those timely hits have often been the difference between wins and losses for a Blue Jays team that has thrived in close contests.
Casey’s observation that Bichette might be leading the league in hits highlights his durability and ability to produce night after night. His presence in the lineup forces opposing pitchers to work harder, especially when he’s batting in front of or behind Guerrero, creating a relentless challenge for opponents.
Eyeing the Postseason
Toronto’s current position in the standings has reignited hopes of a deep postseason run. The Blue Jays have not lifted the World Series trophy since 1993, and they have not even reached the Fall Classic in this century. A division title would guarantee them a direct path into the playoffs, avoiding the unpredictable Wild Card round.
Fans who endured the frustrations of 2024 are understandably savoring this revival. The combination of a revitalized Bichette, Guerrero’s continued excellence, and key contributions from the supporting cast has given the club a balanced and dangerous roster. The pitching staff, led by a rotation that has exceeded expectations, has complemented the offensive surge.
Still, with nearly two months of baseball left to play, the challenge will be maintaining this momentum. Injuries, slumps, and late-season pressure can quickly derail even the most promising campaigns. For Bichette, who has tasted both the highs and lows of MLB life, the focus will be on consistency and leadership.
What Comes Next for Bichette?
As impressive as his 2025 season has been, questions about Bichette’s future loom large. His pending free agency will be one of the offseason’s biggest storylines, especially if he continues to produce at this level and the Blue Jays make a deep playoff run.
Toronto’s front office will face a difficult decision — do they commit long-term to Bichette alongside Guerrero, potentially locking up two cornerstone players well into the next decade, or do they explore other roster-building paths? Given his age, production, and popularity with fans, Bichette will be one of the most sought-after players on the market if he hits free agency.
For now, though, both Bichette and the Blue Jays are focused squarely on the task at hand: finishing the regular season strong, clinching the division, and making a legitimate push for a championship.
As Sean Casey’s comments remind us, it’s easy to get caught up in the superstar power of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., but championships are often built on the shoulders of players who can quietly dominate every facet of the game. In 2025, Bo Bichette is proving to be exactly that kind of player — the one who keeps the engine running, sparks the offense, and gives Toronto a chance to end its long championship drought.
If the Blue Jays do lift the Commissioner’s Trophy this fall, Bichette’s name might just be the first fans remember.
