Blue Jays Star Has Biggest Arbitration Gap Of All 2023 MLB Cases

After Friday's date to come to terms or exchange arbitration figures, there are 33 players around the majors who weren't able to agree on a new 2023 contract with their teams and will be heading to arbitration in the spring. And of those 33 cases, the biggest gap between player and team is the one dividing Bo Bichette and the Toronto Blue Jays.

Of the 33 cases headed to arbitration across MLB, the biggest gap between club and team is #Bluejays and Bo Bichette. According to @JeffPassan, Bichette ask is $7.5 million, Jays offer is $5 million.

— Rob Longley (@longleysunsport) January 14, 2023

The Jays' star shortstop is asking for $7.5M, but Toronto has countered with $5M. That $2.5M gap is larger than any other arbitration case. Bichette made $825,000 this past year.

The 24-year-old has led the American League in hits for the last two seasons, and was an All-Star in 2021. In 2022, he batted .290 with an .802 OPS, 24 HR, 93 RBIs and 13 SBs. All of those numbers are down from '21, but his OPS+ actually went up a few points, to 127. 

The Blue Jays haven't been to arbitration with a player since 2019. 

Other notable arbitration cases include a former Blue Jay: 

There are a total of 33 unsettled arbitration cases. Details:

Biggest $: Teoscar Hernandez wants $16M, Seattle offering $14M.

Smallest spread: Colin Poche wants $1.3M, TB offering $1.175M.

Largest spread: Bo Bichette wants $7.5M, Toronto offering $5M.

Most cases: Rays with 7.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 14, 2023

Teoscar Hernandez, who the Jays dealt to the Seattle Mariners this offseason, is asking for $16M in arbitration, the largest dollar amount that will be asked for in a hearing, while the M's are offering $14M. 

The smallest dispute is the one between the Tampa Bay Rays and Colin Poche. The Rays are trying to hang on to an extra $125,000 by offering $1.175M while Poche is asking for $1.3M.

 Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports