Once seen as a key player for the Toronto Blue Jays, Bo Bichette may now be available for trade following a disappointing season for both him and the team.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale on August 18, “The Toronto Blue Jays are likely to consider trade offers this winter for shortstop Bo Bichette, who has no intention of remaining in Toronto after he becomes a free agent at the end of the 2025 season.” First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is also set to be a free agent in 2025, but the Blue Jays aim to negotiate a deal with him before he hits the market.
Bichette’s name circulated in trade rumors leading up to the deadline this summer. In June, he mentioned that he “would not be surprised at all” if he were traded, though it ultimately didn’t happen.
This season, Bichette has struggled with a .598 OPS and four home runs over 336 plate appearances, but he has been one of the more effective offensive shortstops in recent years, boasting an .815 OPS and averaging 24 homers per season from 2021 to 2023. He is set to make $17.583 million in 2025, concluding his three-year, $33.6 million extension, according to Spotrac.
With uncertainty surrounding the 26-year-old’s future, here are five potential trade destinations for the offseason.
5. Atlanta Braves
Current Shortstop: Orlando Arcia
Despite injuries in 2024, the Atlanta Braves remain in playoff contention. Orlando Arcia, a 2023 All-Star, had a solid season last year, posting a .264/.321/.420 line with 17 home runs and 65 RBI over 533 plate appearances. However, his performance has sharply declined in 2024.
Arcia is currently batting .217/.269/.355 with 17 homers and 46 RBI in 584 plate appearances, with his WAR dropping from a career-high 2.4 in 2023 to 0.8 this year. It’s unclear how eager the Braves will be to pursue a shortstop upgrade. He is set to earn $2 million in 2025, with a $2 million club option for 2026.
As the Braves look to get healthier this winter and anticipate a full season from players like Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies, bringing in a new shortstop may not be their top concern.
4. San Francisco Giants
Current Shortstop: Tyler Fitzgerald
The San Francisco Giants have struggled at shortstop since Brandon Crawford’s last strong season in 2022, when he posted a 2.0 WAR over 118 games. Tyler Fitzgerald started the summer strong, boasting a .301/.363/.602 line with nine homers, 19 RBI, and 25 runs scored in just 135 plate appearances by the end of July. However, his performance has since declined, and his overall numbers now stand at .288/.339/.503. It’s unclear if the Giants see him as their long-term solution at shortstop, and Fitzgerald himself is uncertain about securing the position.
San Francisco was linked to Bichette ahead of the trade deadline, as well as Willy Adames from the Milwaukee Brewers. Adames, who recently completed his second career 30-homer season, will become a free agent this winter.
3. Seattle Mariners
Current Shortstop: J.P. Crawford
The Seattle Mariners are still in the hunt for an American League Wild Card spot, having led the AL West in the first half before being surpassed by the Houston Astros. While they have one of the top pitching rotations in baseball, their offense has struggled at times.
J.P. Crawford has been the primary shortstop, producing a .203/.311/.328 line with nine homers and 37 RBI over 99 games. The Mariners had shown interest in Bichette as a potential offensive upgrade during the trade deadline. His status as a player who won’t require a long-term commitment beyond 2025 could make him appealing to the Mariners this winter as they seek to improve their offense.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
Current Shortstop: Miguel Rojas
The shortstop position has been a challenge for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season. Initially, Gavin Lux was set to take on the role, but after a tough spring training, Mookie Betts was moved to shortstop. When Betts went on the injured list, veteran Miguel Rojas, age 35, stepped in.
The Dodgers may prefer to pursue Willy Adames through free agency, as that would allow them to retain their prospects. However, the possibility of acquiring Bichette was frequently discussed before the trade deadline. His offensive skills would complement LA’s lineup, even if just for a single season.
1. Cleveland Guardians
Current Shortstop: Brayan Rocchio
The Cleveland Guardians secured a postseason spot after clinching the AL Central title on September 21, despite receiving minimal offensive contributions from their shortstop position.
Brayan Rocchio has played 139 games at shortstop for the Guardians in 2024, contributing a value of 1.0 WAR primarily through his defensive skills, according to FanGraphs. Offensively, he has struggled, posting a .210/.301/.320 line in 430 plate appearances.
Bichette’s salary for 2025 is a consideration for Cleveland’s front office, but having him for just one season could be advantageous. They would gain a significant roster upgrade without a hefty prospect cost, and if it doesn’t work out, Bichette will hit free agency next winter.
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