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Before we get into the suitors, let’s talk about the player. Offensively, Bichette is an absolute stud. A career .299 hitter, he consistently delivers at the plate. He’s the kind of contact hitter who complements the power bats in any lineup. He even played through a knee sprain in the World Series, hobbling around but still managing to hit a three-run homer in Game 7. That’s grit. But here’s the catch—his defense is, to put it mildly, a bit of a liability. Last season, he ranked dead last among qualified shortstops with a -10 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and a cringe-worthy -13 Outs Above Average (OAA). That’s not just bad; it’s a glaring weakness that any team signing him will have to address. Is his bat good enough to make you overlook the fielding errors? That’s the multi-million dollar question. New York Yankees: A Classic Rivalry Move You knew this was coming. The New York Yankees are always in the market for a superstar, and their shortstop situation is a mess. Anthony Volpe had a nightmare season at the plate, hitting a paltry .212. While Volpe won a Gold Glove the year prior, his defense also took a nosedive. Plugging Bichette into that lineup would be an immediate and dramatic offensive upgrade. The thought of him launching balls into the short porch at Yankee Stadium is enough to make any fan drool. But here’s the problem: the Yankees already have enough defensive headaches. They can’t afford another infielder who treats a ground ball like a hot potato. Still, the allure of adding Bichette’s bat and sticking it to a division rival might be too tempting for the pinstripes to resist. It would be a classic, high-risk, high-reward move for the Bronx Bombers. Detroit Tigers: The Underdog Contender Here’s a team that’s quietly trying to become relevant again. The Detroit Tigers desperately need an upgrade at shortstop. They trotted out Trey Sweeney, who hit a stunningly bad .196, and the aging Javier Baez, who has been a shadow of his former self. Bringing in Bichette would be a statement signing, signaling that the Tigers are serious about competing in the AL Central. What makes Detroit an interesting fit is their flexibility. With Gleyber Torres likely heading out after his one-year deal, there’s an opening at second base. If a team could convince Bichette his future is on the other side of the bag—where his defensive shortcomings would be less exposed—the Tigers could be the perfect match. He gets his massive contract, and they get a middle-infield bat to build around. Atlanta Braves: The Perfect Fit? Of all the potential landing spots, the Atlanta Braves might just make the most sense. They are perennial contenders with a lineup full of power hitters like Ronald Acuña Jr. Imagine adding Bichette’s contact-oriented approach to that mix. It’s a match made in baseball heaven. Their current shortstop situation is also shaky; Nick Allen hit just .221, and while Ha-Seong Kim was a decent waiver claim, he’s expected to decline his player option. This leaves a gaping hole at a premium position for a team with championship aspirations. The Braves have the money and the motivation to make a serious run at Bichette. For him, it’s a chance to join a winning culture and immediately compete for another World Series ring. If leaving Toronto is about more than just the money, Atlanta offers the clearest path to continued success. The Blue Jays and their fans are holding their breath. Bichette said all the right things—”I want to be here”—but the business of baseball is ruthless. As he tests the waters of free agency, the team that drafted and developed him can only hope that loyalty (and a very, very large check) is enough to keep their star from heading for greener, or perhaps just different, pastures.
