Yesterday, I talked about areas where the Braves could potentially upgrade offensively. There are two obvious answers, shortstop and left field. Neither is pressing as of now, but if things continue to trend in the wrong direction, Alex Anthopoulos may have to think long and hard about finding some different answers.
That shouldn’t be too difficult when it comes to outfielders. Even in a seller’s market, there are always some power bats that become available around the trade deadline. That’s not the case at shortstop, but one intriguing name to keep an eye on is Bo Bichette, who the Blue Jays reportedly could be open to dealing.
“I don’t think they’re opposed to it."
— an AL executive on if the Blue Jays would consider trading Bo Bichette and/or Vlad Guerrero Jr., per @Feinsand pic.twitter.com/vfF9atWMRH
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) May 21, 2024
It wasn’t long ago that the Blue Jays young core was looked at in the same light as the Atlanta Braves. Many thought they would have hoisted the Commissioner’s Trophy by now, or at least taken control of the AL East. Instead, they’ve failed to even win a single playoff game and currently sit in last in the division with a 21-25 record.
The Baltimore Orioles have completely stolen the show when it comes to young talent in the American League, and the Yankees continue to make strides in a positive direction. The Blue Jays have become an afterthought, leading to difficult decisions ahead.
If Toronto does decide to blow it up, Bo Bichette has to be a name that interests the Braves. He’s amid the worst season of his career, but Atlanta is a place known for reviving a career or two, and there’s no questioning the talent. Bichette has finished inside the top 16 of the AL MVP race in each of the last three seasons, leading the league in hits twice. He’s an above average defensive shortstop that can hit for contact and power. He’s also under team control through the 2025 season at an affordable rate.
Orlando Arcia has been a nice story for the Braves. His career has done a 180 since coming to Atlanta, and he’s a bargain at $2 million per season through 2026. But if Arcia can experience that kind of turnaround with the Braves, just imagine what Bo Bichette might accomplish down south.
The prospect capital it would take to pry Bichette out of Toronto wouldn’t be cheap, but this does feel like the perfect opportunity to buy low on a 26-year-old two-time All-Star that could end up being the future at shortstop for years to come. If the Blue Jays seriously entertain offers at the trade deadline, the Braves are a team to watch.
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Photo: Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire
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