Bo Bichette Trade Speculation: Blue Jays Shortstop Linked to Blockbuster Deals

By Oliver Wiener June 07, 2025 10:31

As the 2025 MLB trade deadline looms, Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette has become a focal point in trade rumors, with several contending teams reportedly interested in acquiring the two-time All-Star. Bichette, who is in the final year of a three-year, $33.6 million contract and will hit free agency after the season, stands at a crossroads that could reshape the Blue Jays’ roster and impact their playoff aspirations.

Bichette’s 2025 Bounceback and Contract Situation

After a difficult 2024 campaign, Bichette has rebounded impressively in 2025. Through 211 plate appearances, he boasts a .292 batting average with a .341 on-base percentage and a .431 slugging percentage, translating to a 121 weighted runs created plus (wRC+) a clear sign he has returned to form offensively. This resurgence has reminded teams of his offensive prowess and defensive capabilities as a shortstop, making him a valuable trade asset.

However, the Blue Jays have yet to reach an extension agreement with Bichette, fueling speculation about his future in Toronto. General Manager Ross Atkins has publicly expressed a desire to keep Bichette paired with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., stating, “It’s also our vision for [Guerrero and Bichette] to continue to play together. We will do everything in our power to see if we can line up”. Yet, with free agency looming and the Blue Jays currently hovering around a .500 record, the possibility of a trade remains on the table if the team falls out of playoff contention.

Trade Market and Potential Suitors

Among the teams linked to Bichette is the Cleveland Guardians, who have struggled to solidify their middle infield and are reportedly “fed up” with current options like Gabriel Arias and Brayan Rocchio. The Guardians see Bichette as a potential game-changer, although they face the challenge of assembling a competitive trade package.

Another frequently mentioned suitor is the Atlanta Braves. With Nick Allen’s defensive excellence but offensive struggles, the Braves could use Bichette’s bat to bolster their lineup. Analyst Chase Owens suggested that Bichette would be a rental for Atlanta, making the cost more manageable, and noted that Bichette’s bounce-back season proves he remains a high-caliber hitter.

Less credible but widely discussed is the idea of a trade to the New York Yankees, a divisional rival, which many experts dismiss as “asinine” due to the unlikelihood of the Blue Jays aiding a direct competitor.

Position Flexibility and Future Outlook

Bichette himself has acknowledged the possibility of a position change, potentially moving away from shortstop if traded to a team with an established shortstop. This adaptability could widen his trade market, with second base as a likely option. “I’m focused on what I can do now to help my team, whatever way I can,” Bichette said, signaling his willingness to embrace a new role if necessary.

Strategic Considerations for Toronto

The Blue Jays face a delicate balancing act. While they remain in playoff contention, trading Bichette could disrupt team chemistry and weaken their lineup. However, if the season slips away, moving Bichette before he reaches free agency could yield valuable prospects or players under team control, preventing the risk of losing him for nothing.

Bichette’s earning power is also a factor. Depending on his finish to the season, his free-agent market could range widely from $20 million annually to a potential mega-deal north of $200 million. A midseason trade would eliminate the possibility of a qualifying offer, which could influence both his market and the Blue Jays’ trade calculus.

Bo Bichette’s trade speculation underscores the complexities facing the Toronto Blue Jays as they navigate the 2025 season. With a resurgent star shortstop nearing free agency, multiple teams expressing interest, and the Blue Jays’ playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the coming weeks promise to be pivotal. Whether Bichette remains a cornerstone of Toronto’s future or becomes the centerpiece of a blockbuster trade, his trajectory will be one of the most compelling storylines of this MLB season.