One of the Blue Jays ’ top priorities this off-season is re-signing Bo Bichette , but if the two-time all-star returns it won’t be on the same kind of sweetheart deal agreed to by Shane Bieber.

Bichette did what everyone expected Tuesday afternoon by declining the Jays’ $22.025-million (U.S.) qualifying offer. By extending the offer, the Jays are eligible for draft-pick compensation if the shortstop signs elsewhere.

Twelve other big-league free agents received the same offer and four accepted by the 4 p.m. deadline: New York Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham, Detroit Tigers infielder Gleyber Torres, Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Brandon Woodruff and Chicago Cubs lefty Shota Imanaga.

The 27-year-old Bichette is in line for a lucrative multi-year deal after he finished tied for se

See Full Page