The New York Yankees are reportedly targeting Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette for a major offseason signing, with plans to shift him to third base. After a challenging year at the hot corner, the Yankees are seeking to bolster their infield for the future.
According to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, the team is expected to ink Bichette to a five-year, $147 million deal, which would make him the new face of the Yankees’ third base position. This would represent a significant move for a club looking to bounce back from a disappointing season and add some star power to its roster.
Bichette, a two-time All-Star and one of the league’s most consistent hitters, has had a somewhat underwhelming 2024 season. His slash line of .225/.277/.322 this past year is a stark contrast to his .306 batting average in 2023. Despite this, experts believe that his 2024 struggles are an anomaly, and Bichette is expected to rebound in his contract year. Over the course of his career, he has shown the ability to lead the American League in hits on multiple occasions and has consistently been one of the top performers for the Blue Jays.
One of the biggest challenges for Bichette’s transition to the Yankees, however, would be his lack of experience at third base. While Bichette has played second base and shortstop throughout his career, including in the minor leagues, he has never suited up at third in a major league game. Nevertheless, switching positions within the infield is not an uncommon practice, and experts believe that Bichette’s athleticism and baseball IQ would allow him to successfully make the transition to third base. His strong bat would make him a valuable asset at the hot corner, further solidifying his place in the Yankees’ lineup.
The Yankees’ decision to pursue Bichette comes after a season where both Oswaldo Cabrera and DJ LeMahieu struggled to provide consistent production at third base. Cabrera is expected to continue sharing the position with LeMahieu when he returns from injury, but if another subpar performance occurs, it could prompt the team to make a move. Bichette’s signing would not only address the team’s third base woes but would also bring a proven hitter to the lineup. With a healthy Bichette, the Yankees could see a boost in offensive production, especially in the power department.
Additionally, bringing Bichette into the fold could have long-term implications for the Yankees’ roster. The team still has Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Anthony Volpe under contract through 2026, both of whom are expected to contribute to the infield for years to come. However, with veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt set to become a free agent after the 2025 season, there could be room for further roster moves, including potential acquisitions to complement Bichette. The Yankees have shown interest in improving their core, and Bichette could be the centerpiece of their infield for the next half-decade.
If Bichette joins the Yankees, the team could also pursue another high-profile target—his close friend and fellow superstar, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The Blue Jays attempted to extend Guerrero earlier this offseason but were unable to finalize a deal. If Bichette and Guerrero are both in the Yankees’ future, it would mark a significant upgrade for the team, with a potential powerhouse infield of Bichette, Guerrero, and other key players like Volpe. The Yankees’ pursuit of Bichette is just the first step in what could be an exciting offseason of major changes for the Bronx Bombers.
