Dodgers could swipe Bo Bichette from Blue Jays after latest insider update
Context:
The Los Angeles Dodgers, despite their roster of superstars, are considering acquiring Bo Bichette from the Toronto Blue Jays following insider Buster Olney's update suggesting the Blue Jays might sell key players. Despite the Blue Jays being in playoff contention, Olney believes they should trade players like Bichette if they are not genuine World Series contenders, due to their poor run differential and offensive struggles. Bo Bichette, a two-time All-Star, has shown consistent hitting capabilities despite a dip in home run numbers, making him an attractive acquisition for the Dodgers. The Dodgers could potentially use Bichette to fill voids in their infield and improve their lineup, possibly reassigning Mookie Betts and Tommy Edman to optimize their positions. Bichette's future with the Blue Jays is uncertain, especially after the team's significant financial commitment to another player, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., leaving his potential departure imminent if the Blue Jays decide to sell.
Dive Deeper:
The Los Angeles Dodgers are exploring the possibility of trading for Bo Bichette from the Toronto Blue Jays after MLB insider Buster Olney suggested that the Blue Jays might become opportunistic sellers if they are not true World Series contenders.
The Blue Jays, despite being in playoff contention, are struggling with the third-worst run differential and the second-fewest runs in the American League, leading to speculation that they may trade valuable players like Bichette if they decide to sell.
Bo Bichette, who signed a $33 million extension before the 2023 season, is a two-time All-Star known for leading the American League in hits twice, although he has experienced a decline in home run production recently.
The Dodgers see Bichette as a solution to their infield issues, particularly the underperformance of Max Muncy, and could use his acquisition to rearrange their lineup by moving Mookie Betts to second base and Tommy Edman to third.
Bichette's desire to continue playing alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr. may not align with the Blue Jays' financial commitments, as they have recently dedicated $500 million to Guerrero, potentially making Bichette available for trade.
If the Blue Jays decide to make Bichette available, many teams are expected to express interest due to his proven hitting ability and potential to enhance any team's lineup.
The situation highlights the strategic decisions the Blue Jays face regarding maintaining a competitive roster while balancing financial constraints and potential trades.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are full of superstars, but still have holes on their roster. They could make a trade to land Bo Bichette after MLB insider Buster Olney's latest Toronto Blue Jays update.
During an episode of "Baseball Tonight with Buster Olney," the insider noted that the Blue Jays could be opportunistic sellers. He thinks even if the Blue Jays are in the postseason mix, they should still consider trading if they are not true World Series contenders. That would make pending free agent Bo Bichette a likely candidate to be traded.
"I think the Blue Jays could consider something like that," Olney said of selling at the deadline. "They have the third-worst run differential in all of the American League and the second-fewest runs in the American League. It's not working. I think they should consider something like that."
If the Blue Jays do make Bichette available, many teams will be calling. He signed a $33 million extension before the 2023 season and is due for a payday. He is a two-time All-Star and has led the American League in hits twice. After three consecutive 20-plus home run seasons, he has just five since the start of 2024. However, he is proving he can still be a great hitter.
He is slashing .277/.315/.368 with 16 RBIs. The Dodgers have gotten very little production out of Max Muncy, and Bichette could allow them to shuffle their infield and replace him. Bichette could take over at shortstop and allow Mookie Betts to slide back to second base. That would allow Tommy Edman to play third base.
Edman has 59 career starts at third base. He has been good for the Dodgers this season, and moving him to third base would solve their Muncy problem. Meanwhile, they would be adding a consistent hitter to their lineup in Bichette. If insiders think the Blue Jays should sell, Bichette will likely be the first man to go.
He has noted his desire to keep playing with Guerrero, but the team may not be able to keep him around. They just committed $500 million to Guerrero and Bichette could be looking for a $200 million deal.
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