In a move few saw coming a year ago, the St. Louis Cardinals have signed two-time All-Star shortstop Bo Bichette to a short-term contract worth $102 million over four years, taking advantage of a sharp downturn in his power numbers that dramatically reduced his market value.
Once projected to command a $300 million mega-deal, Bichette entered free agency after a disappointing stretch with the Toronto Blue Jays. Now 26, Bichette slugged just four home runs in 2024 and has only one so far in 2025, prompting teams to approach with caution. But the Cardinals, amid a calculated retooling of their roster, saw opportunity where others hesitated.
“This is a bet on upside,” said Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak. “Bo has a proven track record as an elite hitter and competitor. We believe he can return to form — and do it here in St. Louis.”
The deal includes two opt-outs, giving Bichette a chance to re-enter free agency if he rebounds to his former All-Star level. For the Cardinals, it’s a low-risk, high-upside play that fills a pressing need at shortstop while keeping long-term flexibility intact.
Bichette was once considered a cornerstone in Toronto alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr., posting three straight seasons with 20-plus homers and slugging percentages north of .450. But his steep decline — from .475 slugging in 2023 to .322 in 2024 — tanked his market, opening the door for teams like St. Louis to strike.
“I’m grateful for a fresh start,” Bichette said during his introductory press conference at Busch Stadium. “I know I’ve got more in the tank. This is the perfect place to show it.”
If Bichette bounces back, the Cardinals may have pulled off one of the biggest steals of the 2025 offseason.
