The Braves need a shortstop, and Bo Bichette might be their answer.
Atlanta’s struggle to climb above .500 this season could use more than just Ronald Acuña Jr.’s return. While getting their MVP back will help, the Braves have a glaring hole at shortstop that needs addressing if they want to make a serious run at the division title.
The position has been a disaster for Atlanta. They’ve already DFA’d Orlando Arcia, leaving them to rely on Nick Allen as their primary shortstop. Allen’s glove is impressive, but his career 58 OPS+ tells you everything you need to know about his offensive limitations.
That’s where Bo Bichette comes in. The two-time All-Star shortstop from the Toronto Blue Jays could be available at the July 31 trade deadline if Toronto falls out of contention.
Chase Owens of FanSided recently highlighted Bichette as a prime trade target for the Braves, noting:
“Nick Allen has been a wizard defensively for the Braves, but it’s no secret he’s not a good hitter at the Major League level. Should the Blue Jays fall out the American League playoff race, Bo Bichette is an often discussed name that could lengthen Atlanta’s lineup.”
Owens added:
“Bichette would be a rental, so the cost wouldn’t be drastic… and his bounce-back 2025 has proven (he’s) still a very good hitter. Should the Braves’ offense continue to ride this rollercoaster during the summer months, a surprise move for Bichette could come to fruition.”
While Bichette’s current .738 OPS and 19 extra-base hits aren’t quite up to his career standards, they’d represent a massive upgrade over what the Braves are getting from shortstop right now. The 26-year-old is playing on a $33 million arbitration extension that expires after this season, making him a rental who wouldn’t require Atlanta to empty their prospect cupboard.
Of course, this all depends on Toronto’s willingness to sell. The Blue Jays did move players at last year’s deadline, so it’s not out of the question they’d do it again if they’re out of the playoff picture by July.
The Braves still have two months to right the ship before the trade deadline arrives. But if they’re buyers come July, don’t be surprised if they make a strong push for Bichette to solve their shortstop problem and boost their chances in the NL East race.
