The Toronto Blue Jays extended a qualifying offer to Bo Bichette on Thursday, meaning the star shortstop could accept a one-year contract for $22.025 million and not make his first foray into free agency.

Bichette, 27, is expected to be a huge attraction on the free agent market this winter. He completed a three-year deal valued at $33.6 million. Only 14 players have accepted a qualifying offer since the system was implemented in 2012, according to MLB.com on Thursday afternoon.

Toronto would receive draft-pick compensation if Bichette declines the offer and signs with a new team for the 2026 season. He also could re-sign with the Blue Jays to a more lucrative, multi-year deal than the qualifying offer.

The Blue Jays selected Bichette in the second round of the 2016 MLB Draft and he was

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