Star free agent Bo Bichette already has plenty of reasons to return to the Blue Jays — friends, familiarity, money — but one Toronto steakhouse is ensuring that he’ll never go hungry.
Animl, a Toronto steakhouse and cocktail den located on Wellington St., is offering Bichette “steak for life” if he re-signs with the Blue Jays.
The restaurant — the name is pronounced like “animal” — made the rather juicy offer in a post on Instagram on Monday.
“Dear Bo Bichette,” the post reads, “Toronto suits you.
“The city, the energy, the fans — it all feels right, much like a perfectly cooked steak. At Animl, we believe in commitments that last — the craft, the care, and the city we call home.
“In that spirit, we ask you to re-sign with the Toronto Blue Jays — and consider this our promise: Steak for life on us.
“No negotiations. No fine print. Just a standing reservation at our table.
“Stay in Toronto. We’ll handle dinner, you bring home the hardware.”
The offer was signed by “Your favourite restaurant” along with a clip to back up the claim.
What is Bichette’s favourite restaurant?
During an interview in August, Bichette gave a shoutout to Animl when asked about his top dining spot in the city.
“There’s a new restaurant named Animl,” he said. ”It’s really good, I love it.”
While Bichette is sure to cash in big time in free agency — he is projected to earn between $25-$30 million per year when he signs a new contract — there’s no harm in saving a bit of cash dining out.
Eating at Animl isn’t cheap either, with their “signature cuts” ranging from $68 for a 6-oz petite filet to $275 for a massive 40-oz porterhouse.
Charming Kawhi Leonard
Bichette isn’t the first Toronto free agent to receive offers of free food from restaurants around town.
After helping the Raptors capture the 2019 NBA championship, Kawhi Leonard received offers from more than 50 restaurants as an incentive to stay via the “Ka’wine & Dine initiative,” which ultimately fell short as Leonard joined the Los Angeles Clippers.
What’s next for Bichette?
Bichette recently had several teammates attend his wedding in St. Petersburg, Fla.
With his nuptials out of the way, Bichette now has some pressing baseball business at hand. He remains one of the best free agents on the market and reportedly has received major interest from the Jays, New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers.
He also may remain on the radar of the Boston Red Sox, who recently made an aggressive pitch to free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman.
Toronto’s signing of Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto — who will be unveiled at a Tuesday afternoon news conference — doesn’t rule out the Blue Jays bringing back Bichette or splashing cash for star slugger Kyle Tucker.
After being hampered by injuries for most of the 2024 season, Bichette had a bounce-back 2025 campaign. While helping spur the Jays on their run to the World Series, Bichette hit .311 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs.