Are the Blue Jays set up for the long term with their depth up the middle?

"The Toronto Blue Jays could be losing one of their home grown stars this offseason. Shortstop Bo Bichette is currently one of the biggest free agents on the market after he and the Blue Jays couldn't find time to sit down and work out a contract extension at any point in the last two or three seasons. As a result Toronto could be looking for a replacement for Bo ahead of the 2026 season."

"Both Nimmala and Parker are in the very early stages of their professional baseball careers. Nimmala is a 20-year-old right handed shortstop and is Toronto's No. 3 prospect and was recently ranked as the No. 57 prospect in baseball a ccording to Bleacher Report. Paker is No. 2 in the Blue Jays' system after being drafted out of high school in the 2025 MLB draft. The 19-year-old ranked No. 53 on the Bleacher Report list."

"The Blue Jays likely envision big things for both players, but it could be a few years before either guy emerges as a legitimate option at the big league level. However, both of their paths to the big leagues are potentially blocked as Giménez is locked in to a deal that takes him through the 2030 season and a deal with Bichette this offseason will more than likely be a long-term contract as well."

Bo Bichette could leave in free agency after no contract extension talks in recent seasons. Toronto may need a replacement at shortstop for 2026. Andrés Giménez served as the everyday shortstop late in the season and into the playoffs and is under contract through 2030. Arjun Nimmala and JoJo Parker are top system prospects, ages 20 and 19, ranked No. 3 and No. 2 in the Blue Jays' system and ranked No. 57 and No. 53 by Bleacher Report. Both prospects remain early in development and could take years to reach the majors. General Manager Ross Atkins must decide whether to sign Bichette long-term or pursue alternatives.

Read at Jays Journal