The Cleveland Guardians find themselves in a familiar spot as July 31 gets closer. At 40-38, they’re right in the thick of the wild card chase, trailing Seattle by just one game for that final playoff spot.
It’s decision time.
If Cleveland’s front office decides to go all-in this summer, they’ve got some intriguing options on the market. Henry Palatella from Away Back Gone recently put together a list of five sluggers the Guardians could target, and one name stands out: Bo Bichette.
The Blue Jays shortstop is having a solid year, but Toronto’s future plans seem pretty clear after they locked up Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with that massive 14-year, $500 million extension earlier this season.
“While the Blue Jays enter Wednesday ahead of the Guardians in the Wild Card race, there’s been plenty of trade deadline buzz around Bichette, who is an impending free agent. The Blue Jays may have already played their cards earlier this year when they extended Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a 14-year, $500 million deal earlier this year but seemingly made no progress in a potential extension with Bichette,” Palatella said.
Here’s what makes Bichette appealing: he’s hitting .276 this season with 11 home runs and 48 RBIs. Toronto’s been using him as their leadoff hitter all year, and he’s been locked in during June with a five-game hitting streak currently going.
The two-time All-Star (2021, 2023) would almost certainly be a rental. That’s the reality Cleveland would have to accept if they make this move.
But here’s the thing – the Guardians need offensive help, and Bichette brings exactly the kind of production that could make the difference in a tight wild card race. With Seattle breathing down their necks and the deadline approaching fast, Cleveland’s going to have to decide if they’re willing to pay the price for a few months of proven production.
The clock’s ticking, and every game between now and July 31 will factor into that final decision.
