Blue Jays shopping Bo Bichette
Bo Bichette, who turns 27 on March 5, is coming off by far his worst offensive season, posting an OPS+ 29 percent below league average while missing almost three months with a right calf strain.
The Toronto Blue Jays do not appear nearly as interested in signing him as they do Guerrero Jr.
And circumstances have changed since Atkins told MLB Network's Jon Morosi in November that his answer to trade inquiries on Bichette was «an easy no.»
Toronto's circumstances have also changed since Atkins said he wouldn't consider a Bichette deal.
The Jays acquired Andres Gimenez from the Guardians last week, taking on nearly $100MM on his five-year contract to do so. Giménez is the game's best defensive second baseman.
He has won the AL Gold Glove award at the keystone three years running.
He came up as a shortstop prospect and didn't fully move off that position until 2023.
But a trade of Bichette this offseason, even though the Jays would be selling low, would make sense.
If the Jays lose him as a free agent and exceed the $241 million luxury-tax threshold they are within $13 million, according to Fangraphs, all they would receive as compensation is a pick after the fourth round.
Executives from three rival clubs, granted anonymity for their candor, said the Jays are open to moving him, but only for a high price.
Good luck, with Bichette coming off his down year, under club control for only one more season and set to earn $16.5 million in 2025.
The Houston Astros appear to be moving on from third baseman Alex Bregman by signing Christian Walker
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that the Blue Jays are looking to sign Bregman to play the hot corner for Toronto reuniting him with former Astros teammate George Springer.
Holding on to Bichette wouldn't stop the Jays from adding Bregman.
They'd have room on the roster for the star third baseman.
Dealing their shortstop would open spending room for the upcoming season while potentially bringing back MLB-ready outfield or pitching talent.
Bichette is under contract for $16.5MM in his final year of club control.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 20 | 361 ANSWERS Blue Jays shopping Bo Bichette Should the Blue Jays trade Bo Bichette or extend him to a long term contract? | ||
| Trade Bo Bichette | 183 | 50.7 % |
| Extend Bo Bichette | 178 | 49.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
