• Thu. Nov 14th, 2024

The Game-Changing Trade the Blue Jays Can’t Afford to Miss This Offseason!

ByAdmin

Nov 5, 2024 #Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays fell short of their lofty expectations in 2024, suffering 88 losses—their highest total since 2019. Injuries played a major role in their struggles throughout the year. Despite a standout performance from Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the team never really threatened to contend for an American League Wild Card spot. To reset their competitive window, the Blue Jays should make bold moves in the offseason, including considering a trade of shortstop Bo Bichette.

Bo Bichette’s 2024 season was a stark contrast to that of his infield mate, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Injuries limited him to just 81 games, during which he recorded only 31 RBIs and a disappointing .598 OPS. Among players with at least 80 games, only Kevin Kiermaier had a lower OPS+ than Bichette’s 71—Kiermaier was traded to the Dodgers at the deadline. While 2024 was a tough year for Bichette, he could still be a valuable asset for many teams across the league. However, the Blue Jays don’t appear to be one of them moving forward.

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette (11) throws out San Francisco Giants first baseman Wilmer Flores (41) during the ninth inning at Oracle Park.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the cornerstone of the Toronto Blue Jays’ franchise and is nearing free agency after this season. Any rebuilding process would be smoother and more palatable with a star first baseman like Guerrero anchoring the middle of the lineup. The rebuild could also be more effective if the Jays trade Bo Bichette for prospects with the potential to become future stars.

Bichette, who plays a premium position and will turn 27 on Opening Day, has already earned multiple All-Star selections. He remains a valuable asset, and there will undoubtedly be suitors willing to meet the Blue Jays’ asking price. The real question is: which teams should Toronto target for a potential trade?

Potential Landing Spots for Bo Bichette

Bo Bichette is an attractive trade target, and with his proven track record, there will be no shortage of teams looking to make a move for the talented shortstop. While the Toronto Blue Jays dealt Cavan Biggio, a player with less of a résumé than Bichette, to the Dodgers at the trade deadline, the value of Bichette’s skill set and potential should draw plenty of suitors. Here are a few teams that could be in play:

  1. Los Angeles Dodgers The Dodgers have a clear need for a shortstop after trading for Miguel Rojas this past season. However, Rojas is older and nearing the end of his career, so adding a younger, more dynamic shortstop like Bichette would be a significant upgrade. With the Dodgers’ deep pockets and championship aspirations, they could be a prime candidate to pursue Bichette to solidify their infield for the long term.
  2. Milwaukee Brewers The Brewers are facing a situation where shortstop Willy Adames is set to become a free agent after a career year. Milwaukee recently traded ace Corbin Burnes, signaling their reluctance to commit to huge contracts in the near future. If Adames walks, the Brewers will need to find a replacement. Bichette, who is under control until 2025, could serve as a bridge to their future, offering both stability at shortstop and offensive production while they develop young prospects like Cooper Pratt, who won’t be ready for the majors until 2027. Bichette would be a solid stopgap solution, providing a proven option until their future star is ready.
  3. Houston Astros The Astros have a young shortstop in Jeremy Peña, but his performance has been inconsistent since his impressive rookie season in 2022. Houston still believes in Peña’s potential, but if they decide to move on from him or shift him to another position, they could look to add a proven bat like Bichette’s. With Alex Bregman’s future in Houston uncertain, the Astros could trade for Bichette and either slide Peña to third base or make Bichette their long-term solution at shortstop. Given Houston’s contending window and deep roster, they’d be a strong candidate to pursue Bichette, potentially adding him for both immediate impact and long-term stability.

These teams represent just a few of the possible destinations for Bichette, but all have compelling reasons to make a run at the Blue Jays’ shortstop.

By Admin

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