Bo Bichette returned to Toronto on Monday under markedly different circumstances than his previous visit to Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays infielder, who left the team this offseason to join the New York Mets on a three-year, $126 million contract, reflected on his past with Toronto during a series against his former club.

Bichette’s emotions were evident as he recalled the heartbreak of the 2022 World Series, where Toronto narrowly lost in a dramatic 11-inning Game 7 to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 28-year-old was a key contributor to that run, hitting a three-run homer early in the game to give the Blue Jays a lead. Despite the disappointment, Bichette expressed gratitude for the opportunity, acknowledging the experience held deep personal significance.

“I’m so grateful that we had that experience and got there,” Bichette said. “But you dream of winning it. I don’t know how many times I’ve replayed it, but it comes to mind every once in a while.”

Drafted by the Blue Jays in the second round of the 2016 MLB draft, Bichette spent the entirety of his professional career with Toronto before this season. He emerged as one of the league’s premier hitters, earning two All-Star selections and consistently receiving MVP votes over four seasons. Bichette led the American League in hits in both 2021 and 2022 and posted the highest batting average in baseball with runners in scoring position last year.

His partnership with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., a fellow young star who signed a 14-year, $500 million extension with Toronto last April, was particularly notable during Toronto’s rebuild. The two developed together within the organization, a camaraderie that remained strong despite their split. Prior to Monday’s game, the longtime teammates had yet to reunite but expressed anticipation at the meeting.

This season, both players have faced challenges. Guerrero’s performance has dipped, with a .697 OPS and four home runs, while the Blue Jays hold a 39-45 record, positioned third in the American League East. The team remains within reach of a Wild Card berth, trailing by 2.5 games.

The Mets, meanwhile, have struggled this year. After firing manager Carlos Mendoza last Friday, New York stands near the bottom of the National League with a 24-54 record, trailing the Wild Card by 9.5 games. Amid the organization’s uncertain outlook, Bichette has found recent success, hitting .337 with a .932 OPS for the month of June. Mets interim manager Andy Green praised Bichette’s improved approach, noting his ability to generate hits and his continued aggressive style at the plate.

Bichette retains the option to opt out of the final two years of his contract, a detail that could factor into trade talks as the season progresses. Regardless of what lies ahead, he will be honored by fans in Toronto, where he is expected to receive an American League Championship ring during the series. The emotional weight of his journey was underscored by his inability to complete a final thought about the shared aspirations he once had with Guerrero.

“We went through it all together. The one goal we had together, we didn’t accomplish it,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays are managing injuries and roster moves. Center fielder Luis Robert Jr., sidelined since late April with a lumbar spine disc herniation, is set to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday. The Mets made recent roster adjustments, optioning right-hander Tobias Myers to Triple-A Syracuse and recalling right-hander Joey Gerber.