The New York Yankees seem to remain a top contender for one of the best available free agents.
Despite a disappointing postseason loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, New York has not made any big moves this offseason, with general manager Brian Cashman admitting the team did not accomplish much during the winter meetings. Though the Yankees have not made a big splash yet in free agency, the team continues to be linked to one of the most sought-after stars available, Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette.
When asked about the Yankees’ interest in signing Bichette, however, MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch warned that the 27-year-old is not the long-term answer for the team at shortstop.
“Yes, with a caveat — you’re talking about adding another major salary commitment to the pile,” Hoch wrote Tuesday. “It’s not a non-starter, but in talking to people around the Jays last year covering the ALCS, Bichette’s not a long-term answer at shortstop.
“So you’d need to plan on him being your second baseman or third baseman, which means we’re talking about a trade involving Jazz Chisholm Jr. or Ryan McMahon if you’re intending to keep payroll around the $310 million window. Long story short, I don’t expect to see it. But I will tell you what one Toronto person told me — Bichette would be a good clubhouse fit and he’d handle New York well.”
Bichette is a two-time All-Star who slashed .311/.357/.483 while mashing 18 home runs and driving in 94 runs. Though the 27-year-old makes a huge impact offensively, he is a below-average defender at shortstop. The Yankees had their own problems at the position this season, with Anthony Volpe struggling at the plate, but he’s under team control through the 2028 season.
Bichette is a star, but may not be the best fit for the Yankees this offseason.
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