As the calendar flips to another year, baseball fans across the league are buzzing about offseason moves—or, in the case of the Atlanta Braves, the lack thereof.
While other teams wheel and deal to bolster their rosters, the Braves front office, led by Alex Anthopoulos, seems content playing the long game.
But for a team with championship aspirations, standing pat could be risky. Rumors about Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette might offer the Braves a golden opportunity to shake things up.
Could Bichette Solve the Braves Shortstop Problem?
The Braves have a pressing issue at shortstop. Despite his brief stint as an All-Star in 2023, Orlando Arcia fell off dramatically in the latter half of the year, becoming a liability both at the plate and in the field.
Bichette could be the ticket to securing that position up for the Braves. A proven star with the Blue Jays, Bichette could inject much-needed energy into Atlanta’s lineup while addressing a glaring positional need. His bat, glove, and age make him a tantalizing fit for a franchise built on locking up young, dynamic players.
Toronto’s Crossroads Could Be Atlanta’s Gain
Reports suggest that Toronto’s front office, under Ross Atkins, is prioritizing an extension for Vladimir Guerrero Jr., potentially leaving Bichette on the trading block.
The Blue Jays haven’t achieved the postseason success expected from their core, and reshuffling the roster could be on the table. Anthopoulos, who has had strong ties to Toronto since his tenure there, might see this as a perfect storm.
The Braves GM has shown a knack for striking deals that align with his strategy of trading for and extending talent rather than overpaying in free agency. Bichette fits that mold perfectly.
A Move That Makes Sense for Both Sides
Adding Bichette wouldn’t just plug a hole at shortstop for Atlanta. It would signal a commitment to remaining one of the league’s elite teams.
The Braves infield already boasts cornerstone players like Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson, and Austin Riley, all of whom are under long-term contracts. Bichette could slot into that group seamlessly, providing both offensive and defensive stability.
Trading Bichette might sting in the short term for Toronto, but it could help them gain a more balanced and sustainable roster. With Alex Bregman reportedly on their radar, the Blue Jays could maintain a competitive infield while reallocating resources to other areas of need.
Time For the Braves To Take a Swing
For Braves fans, the offseason has been frustratingly quiet. Max Fried’s departure to the Yankees and the loss of Travis d’Arnaud have left holes in the roster. Atlanta has not made any major moves to replace them.
While Bo Bichette alone won’t solve every problem, acquiring him would be a step in the right direction. It’s the kind of move that aligns with Anthopoulos’ track record and could energize a team that can’t afford to get complacent.
In the high-stakes chess game of MLB roster building, this potential trade could be the bold stroke the Braves need to stay ahead.
