TORONTO — Bo Bichette spent seven seasons in Toronto as a stoic staple. He was the unfazed force in the middle of the Blue Jays lineup, rarely impacted by the emotional swings around him.There was an occasional burst of passion. He paused to collect his thoughts while discussing former teammate Marcus Semien after the 2021 season. He lingered in an embrace with former third base coach Luis Rivera, who announced his retirement after Toronto’s 2023 postseason loss. He flicked his bat, swaggering into a jog after a momentous homer in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series.Those were nothing compared to Monday.Bichette, returning to Toronto for the first time since signing a three-year deal, $126 million deal with the New York Mets in January, was overcome with emotion. The 28-year-old, staring over cameras and looking out at the turf field, lost his words. His eyes started to fill as he thought about how Toronto fans would welcome him back.“I gave it everything I had,” Bichette eventually said. “I just hope that’s appreciated.”It was as if over 700 games worth of memories flooded back in an instant; as if he was reminded of every slapped double down the right field line, every standing ovation and every smirk shared with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., at the same time. The emotion, the infielder said, even surprised himself.“A lot of things are being brought up at one time right now,” Bichette said.The former shortstop took multiple moments to collect himself, with bright camera lights directed at his face. It was an opportunity, he said, to reflect on good times. He’s a Met now, one with an opt-out clause after seasons one and two. But the 40,000 Jays fans in attendance and those watching on television remember him for the relentless hits, two All-Star seasons, four postseason runs and one of the best Blue Jay shortstop careers in modern history.Bichette talked about growing up in baseball with Guerrero, living the best and worst times alongside each other. He talked about his decision to leave, understanding his time with the Jays was likely over before he ultimately signed with New York. He talked about returning from a busted knee to play on one leg, as manager John Schneider said, in the World Series.He talked about his Game 7 homer, one that fell a few outs from being one of the most iconic in Toronto sports history.