As the Toronto Blue Jays try to rebound from their heartbreaking World Series defeat, the free-agent market for shortstop Bo Bichette is bound to become one of the key turning points of their offseason.
The Blue Jays’ front office and Bichette have been consistent about their respective desires for a reunion, but the devil is always in the details. And as great a hitter as Bichette has been throughout his career, Toronto also made it to the World Series without him, with superior defender Andrés Giménez taking over at shortstop for the entire postseason.
The idea that Bichette may no longer be a viable defensive shortstop has also created doubt that teams without clear starters at the position would pursue him enthusiastically this winter. However, ESPN insider Jeff Passan erased some of that doubt on Tuesday, while also hinting at the possibility of a handful of big-market teams poaching him from Toronto.
“Teams haven’t been scared off of Bichette at shortstop, according to sources,” Passan wrote. “Beyond the Blue Jays, who have Andrés Giménez to play short but still could conceivably sign Tucker and Bichette, the Atlanta Braves and Detroit (Tigers) have holes at the most important position on the infield.
“The Yankees could use an upgrade over Anthony Volpe and Jose Caballero. The Mets aren’t inclined to replace Francisco Lindor at shortstop, but they do have room to improve at second and third, as do the Phillies.”
While Passan isn’t reporting concrete interest from any of the teams listed above, the anecdote seems suggest that at least one of those shortstop-needy teams (Detroit, New York, Atlanta) is a real threat to the Blue Jays. The Yankees are a particularly interesting fit, because they could play Bichette at shortstop until top prospect George Lombard Jr. arrives in the big leagues.
The Blue Jays should probably still be considered the favorites, both because of familiarity and Toronto’s willingness to spend money after the World Series visibility boost. But it’s clear that a reunion is far from a foregone conclusion at this stage.
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