The free agency saga of former Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette has taken an unexpected and provocative turn, moving from the baseball diamond to the realms of dietary debate and bedroom performance.
The Steakhouse Pitch and the PETA Counter-Offer
As Bichette, a seven-year Blue Jays veteran and one of the top remaining free agents following Alex Bregman's signing with the Chicago Cubs, weighs offers from teams like the Jays, Red Sox, Yankees, and Phillies, off-field incentives are piling up. Last week, Toronto's upscale Animl Steakhouse on Wellington Street made a public offer to the all-star: free steak for life if he re-signs with the Toronto Blue Jays.
This 'beef bribe' did not go unnoticed by animal rights activists. On Monday, January 12, 2026, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) fired back with its own unique proposition. In a press release, the organization offered Bichette a lifetime supply of Viagra, the erectile dysfunction medication, should he reject the steakhouse's deal.
"PETA is ready to help the star shortstop prepare for a bit of a slump, should he accept the beef bribe," the release stated, arguing that "eating artery-clogging meat can lead to striking out in the bedroom."
Health Claims and Vegan Advocacy
PETA President Tracy Reiman elaborated on the group's stance, linking meat consumption to impaired sexual health. "A steak a day will undoubtedly keep the erections away, as cholesterol-packed meaty meals are known to slow the flow of blood to all the body’s organs," Reiman said. "PETA is encouraging Bichette to reject this steakhouse’s cow-killing kickback and reminds everyone that eating vegan can mean the difference between sizzling and fizzling in the bedroom."
The organization cited studies suggesting a vegan diet can boost male sexual function and reduce impotence risk, while also lowering the chances of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Alongside the Viagra offer, PETA promised Bichette a vegan starter kit featuring plant-based steaks that "your arteries can" tell the difference from real meat.
Animl's Original Pitch and Bichette's Connection
The controversy stems from Animl Steakhouse's original social media pitch, posted the previous Monday. The restaurant, which Bichette named as a favourite in an August interview, appealed to his connection with the city.
"Toronto suits you," the Instagram post read. "The city, the energy, the fans — it all feels right, much like a perfectly cooked steak... In that spirit, we ask you to re-sign with the Toronto Blue Jays — and consider this our promise: Steak for life on us." The offer was signed by "Your favourite restaurant."
Dining at Animl is a premium experience, with signature cuts ranging from $68 for a 6-oz filet to $275 for a 40-oz porterhouse. While Bichette is reportedly seeking a long-term contract worth around $300 million in free agency, the lifetime dining perk represents a significant and symbolic gesture from the local business community.
As the 2026 MLB season approaches, Bo Bichette's decision now carries layers beyond baseball, touching on local business support, animal welfare, and even public health debates, making his eventual choice one of the most uniquely framed free agent signings in recent memory.
