The pressure is on the Toronto Blue Jays to re-sign star free agent Bo Bichette, and one local business is taking matters into its own hands in a bid to convince the sought-after shortstop to ink a new deal in Canada.
Over his storied seven-year career with the franchise, Bichette's name has become ubiquitous with the Blue Jays, even more so amid a free agent frenzy on the cusp of the 2026 season, with interest in the 27-year-old at an all-time high following the team's first World Series appearance in three decades.
The team recently inked a deal (worth an estimated $60 million over four years) with Japanese slugger Kazmua Okamoto, a major step in the right direction for the Jays, but, with Bichette's future in Toronto still hanging in limbo, fans remain on edge about what the season ahead may hold.
The team at King West's Animl Steakhouse is right there with fans, and rather than wait to see what fate has in store for the team's future, they have issued a heartfelt plea to the player via Instagram.
"Dear Bo Bichette, Toronto suits you," the letter reads. "The city, the energy, the fans — it all feels right, much like a perfectly cooked steak."
The note goes on to humbly request that Bichette re-sign with the Toronto Blue Jays, adding in an (irresistible, if I do say so myself,) offer to sweeten the deal.
"Steak for life on us. No negotiations. No fine print. Just a standing reservation at our table," Animl promises.
This isn't the first time a Toronto restaurant has dangled the free food carrot in an attempt to get a star player to re-sign with a local team.
Back in 2019, local favourites like Le Select and Rodney's Oyster House joined a campaign promising Kawhi Leonard free food and drink for life should he re-sign with the Raptors following the team's NBA Championship win.
Ultimately, the offer wasn't enough to keep Leonard on home turf, as he joined the LA Clippers for the following season and remains there to this day, but Animl might just have what it takes to entice Bichette.
In the past, Bichette has admitted that Animl is his favourite restaurant in the city, and getting a $1,000 Surf and Turf for free whenever you want seems like an awfully decent deal to me.
Animl Steakhouse is located at 420A Wellington St. W.
John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | Fareen Karim