Coming up through Toronto’s farm system together as top prospects and making their big-league debuts in the same season, Guerrero and Bichette became fast friends and franchise cornerstones. Over the last seven seasons, they combined for seven all-star appearances and led the Blue Jays to the post-season four times, growing synonymous with the current era of baseball north of the border.
But with Friday’s news that Bichette has agreed to a three-year deal with the New York Mets, the star duo will suit up for separate MLB teams for the first time in 2026.
In the aftermath of Bichette’s decision, Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae reached out to Guerrero for his reaction to the news.
“Of course, I feel sad after playing with him for so many years,” Guerrero told Mae. “But like I’ve always said, this is a business, and you have to look out for what’s best for you and your family.
“I wish him the best. We won’t be teammates anymore, but our friendship will last forever.”
On Guerrero’s end of the equation, his time in Toronto will go on after he signed a 14-year, $500-million extension early in the 2025 season. The 26-year-old first baseman was set to hit free agency this winter alongside Bichette, but worked out his deal to remain a Blue Jay for the long run.
While the two are sure to remain in contact out of the public eye, the next time Guerrero and Bichette take the field together will be as opponents.
Bichette’s Mets face off against Guerrero’s Blue Jays on Feb. 23 and March 15 during spring training, which will be an appetizer for New York’s regular-season series at Rogers Centre from June 29 to July 1.
