Three potential landing spots for shortstop Bo Bichette

The 2025 season was a make-or-break year for Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette.

Bichette struggled through an injury-ravaged 2024 campaign, posting a .225/.277/.322 batting line over 336 plate appearances, hitting four homers and 16 doubles. As Bichette entered his final year before free agency, he needed to prove himself once more, staying healthy while returning to his previous production levels.

He did exactly that in 2025. Bichette had one of his more productive seasons at the plate, posting a .311/.357/.483 batting line, hitting 18 homers and a career-best 44 doubles over 628 plate appearances. Despite missing the beginning of the postseason with a sprained PCL in his left knee, he returned in time to provide a solid bat during the Blue Jays' World Series run. 

The postseason may have opened more avenues for Bichette as well. He had strictly been a shortstop in the majors but was forced to second base in the World Series due to his mobility issues. Bichette impressed defensively at second, potentially expanding his market as there is little at second base beyond Gleyber Torres in free agency.

Bichette should have a robust market due to his history of strong offensive seasons and comeback performance in 2025. Let's look at three potential landing spots for Bichette.

Three potential landing spots for Bo Bichette in free agency

1. Toronto Blue Jays

Bichette has been clear that he wants to remain in Toronto, playing for the only franchise he has known. He referred to the 2025 Blue Jays squad as the best team he had ever played on. The Blue Jays have been clear that they want him back. A reunion would make perfect sense.

The Blue Jays are also covered if Bichette needs to move to second base. Infielders Andres Gimenez and Ernie Clement have seen action at short during their major league careers. Gimenez is a three-time Gold Glove winner at second base, so a position change may not be in the offering. Should Bichette be forced to the other side of second, his offense should more than make up for any defensive shortcomings.

2. Detroit Tigers

The middle of the Tigers' infield is a question mark heading into the offseason. Torres was a key addition to the lineup before slumping in the second half, but is a free agent as well. Current shortstop Trey Sweeney has been solid defensively, saving five runs at short, but has posted a mediocre .202/.261/.313 batting line with 10 homers and 11 doubles over 445 career plate appearances.

Adding Bichette to the lineup would add an impact bat to a lineup sorely in need of one. His offense may be good enough for the Tigers to give Sweeney another chance to prove himself. Otherwise, the Tigers could move on from the former first round draft pick and continue to retool as they eye another postseason run.

3. Atlanta Braves

The Braves have an opening at short after Ha-Seong Kim decided to re-enter free agency following a solid 24-game stint in Atlanta, eschewing his $16M option. Although Nick Allen, the Braves primary shortstop through most of 2025, remains on the roster, but offers virtually nothing offensively. Allen posted a .221/.284/.251 batting line over 416 plate appearances, with 11 doubles accounting for all of his extra base hits.

While Bichette is not a given to stick at short long-term, he would provide a decided upgrade offensively. Braves shortstops combined for a .550 OPS in 2025, the worst in the majors. Bichette would also provide insurance at second after 2026 as Ozzie Albies has a $7M option for 2027. The Braves were one of the most disappointing teams in the majors in 2025; adding Bichette would be a step toward a potential return to the playoffs.