Both the Blue Jays and their fans want to see Bo Bichette in a Toronto uniform next season, as the ballclub tries to run it back all the way to the World Series.

But nothing is guaranteed, as Bichette — a career Blue Jay to this point — has declined a qualifying offer from Toronto to become a free agent, meaning he is no longer under contract and is eligible to sign with other teams.

Baseball players wait years to reach free agency, and their decisions can be consequential for teams and emotional for fans.

And with cases involving homegrown stars like Bichette, the stakes can be even higher, because teams face heightened pressure to keep these top performers on the payroll.

Bo Bichette declines qualifying offer from Toronto Blue Jays

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