The Blue Jays may have just handed out the second-richest contract in franchise history, but MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson says the Dylan Cease megadeal does not change Toronto’s plans for Bo Bichette.

Speaking on SportsCentre, Matheson downplayed the idea that the Jays’ seven-year, $210 million commitment to Cease will push Bichette out of the picture, stressing that the All-Star infielder remains central to the club’s long-term outlook.

Asked whether the Cease contract impacts what comes next for Bichette, Matheson made it clear the situations are not connected.

Matheson noted that Bichette has repeatedly said he wants to stay in Toronto long term. He added that the Blue Jays would hold a natural advantage if they match competing offers on the open market.

Matheson also said Bichette remains a strong roster fit, especially if he is open to defensive flexibility.

Matheson added that a Cease–Bichette combination already represents a highly successful offseason before any other additions.

Matheson described Cease as a “big fish,” calling him a durable, high-strikeout frontline starter whose profile will remind fans of Robbie Ray at his peak.

Toronto’s World Series run also provided financial runway to act early, Matheson noted.

Matheson believes the Jays still have room to add a bat and noted that Cease’s deal may impact the Kyle Tucker market more than the Bichette market.

All quotes attributed to Keegan Matheson are from his appearance on SportsCentre. Full interview: