The New York Yankees are actively seeking to strengthen their infield in 2024, and Bo Bichette of the Toronto Blue Jays emerges as a potential trade target. As the season progresses, discussions surrounding the Bo Bichette trade and contract update 2024 have gained traction, with the Yankees weighing whether to part with any top prospects for his services.
Bichette, who has faced some challenges earlier this season, has recently improved his performance by collecting 13 hits in his last 10 games. His batting average remains solid at .289, though his power numbers initially lagged. Encouragingly, he has managed to hit two home runs in these recent games, signaling a possible resurgence in his offensive impact.
Trade Possibility: Are the Blue Jays Ready to Let Bichette Go?
With Bichette approaching free agency at the end of 2024, the Blue Jays must decide their long-term plans for the shortstop. There is speculation that his declining power could affect his market value in free agency, potentially influencing Toronto’s willingness to entertain trade offers before his contract expires. Jim Bowden of The Athletic estimates Bichette could command a six-year deal worth approximately $171 million if he maintains his expected level of play.
Bichette was so consistent from 2021 to 2023, hitting 20 homers or more each year and leading the American League in hits twice. His OPS+ ranged from 121 to 128 in those seasons. Bichette had a subpar 2024 during which he battled injuries, but he has been better this year, hitting .286 with four homers and a 119 OPS+, which matches his career mark,
Jim Bowden wrote.
He’ll need to pick it up some and get back to his 2021-23 form if he wants to get paid at that value, which is probably close to the six-year, $171 million offer that Bregman received from the Tigers last offseason. Bichette might have to be willing to move to third base for certain interested teams like the Tigers, Yankees or Dodgers, but he should have a strong market if he plays at his accustomed level this season.
This update suggests that while Bichette’s recent performance improves his prospects, he must return to prior levels of consistency to justify such a lucrative contract. Teams like the Yankees, Detroit Tigers, or Los Angeles Dodgers could show interest, especially if Bichette is open to shifting positions.
Implications of a Potential Trade for the Yankees and Blue Jays
There is growing speculation that the Blue Jays might consider trading Bichette before the deadline, particularly if they anticipate losing him in free agency without compensation. The Yankees, in pursuit of reinforcing their infield, would likely view such a move as an opportunity to acquire a proven talent without sacrificing too much future value.
Bichette is in the final year of a three-year, $33 million contract and is poised to command a massive deal in free agency, potentially in the $200 million range. While the Blue Jays managed to extend Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with a record-setting contract, they have not come close to a long-term agreement with Bichette. With free agency looming and no extension in sight, the risk of losing Bichette for nothing grows with each passing day,
Garrett Kerman of Clutch Points highlighted.
Despite the temptation to trade Bichette, the Blue Jays remain committed to competing this season. Sitting at a 25-24 record and trailing by only five games in the highly competitive American League East, they might opt to keep their star infielder and aim for playoff contention rather than accept a rebuilding trade.
What the Future Holds for Bichette and the Yankees’ Infield Strategy
The Bo Bichette trade and contract update 2024 situation places the Yankees at a crossroads: if Toronto moves forward with a trade, New York will have to evaluate how much of their prospect pool they are willing to exchange for a player poised for a major free-agent payday. Should Bichette maintain or improve his production, he will remain a high-value asset, and the Yankees’ interest could intensify as the deadline approaches.
For the Blue Jays, balancing the desire to remain competitive this season against the risk of losing Bichette without compensation will be a crucial decision. Their choice to either pursue a contract extension or consider a trade will significantly influence the dynamics of the American League East and the broader free-agent market heading into 2025.