The Cleveland Guardians’ primary focus this offseason will likely be their starting rotation, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be looking to add some positional depth as well. The team’s outfield remains a glaring area of need, and upgrading their middle infield — specifically at shortstop — could also be a smart move as they look to improve their overall roster for 2025.
That’s where Toronto Blue Jays star Bo Bichette comes into play. According to CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa, the Guardians could be a potential trade fit for the 26-year-old shortstop, who may be available this winter. While Axisa isn’t convinced Bichette will be moved, he acknowledges that the Blue Jays could look to deal him, especially with his contract situation and the team’s need to shake things up.
The Bo Bichette Situation: A Mixed Bag
Bichette, a two-time All-Star and one of the premier shortstops in baseball, had a forgettable 2024 campaign. After a stellar 2021 and 2022, where he led the American League in hits in back-to-back seasons, Bichette took a significant step back this year. He slashed just .225/.277/.322 with four home runs and 31 RBIs in 336 plate appearances, a far cry from his usual production. Injuries derailed his season as well, limiting him to just 81 games.
Despite the down year, Bichette’s track record still makes him an intriguing option. Before 2024, he had never posted an OPS under .800, and from 2021 to 2023, he hit 20+ home runs in each season, showcasing his ability to contribute across the board. His lifetime slash line of .290/.332/.466 underscores his potential to rebound and remain an elite-level shortstop.
Given Bichette’s struggles and the injury issues in 2024, it’s understandable why some would question his value on the trade market. However, the Guardians might look at this as an opportunity to buy low on a player who, when healthy, could be a significant upgrade over their current shortstop options.
Why the Guardians Could Be Interested
Cleveland’s middle infield situation has been in flux for a few years now. While Andres Gimenez has solidified himself as a key piece of the team’s future, shortstop has been a revolving door. Rookie Brayan Rocchio got a significant amount of time at the position in 2024, but while he showed promise, he’s still developing and clearly isn’t ready to anchor the position for a contending team just yet. Bichette, when at his best, would represent a clear upgrade over Rocchio — both offensively and defensively.
Adding Bichette would give Cleveland a proven bat in the heart of their lineup, something the team could desperately use as they look to compete in a tough American League Central. Bichette’s ability to hit for average, drive the ball, and provide some power would be a welcome boost for a team that struggles to generate consistent offensive production, especially in the middle of the field.
Additionally, Bichette’s familiarity with the high-pressure spotlight of a playoff contender could be valuable for a Guardians team that is consistently on the fringe of postseason contention. A player with Bichette’s pedigree could help push them over the top.
The Catch: Free Agency Looms
The major concern for Cleveland in pursuing Bichette, however, lies in his impending free agency. Bichette is a year away from hitting the open market, and it’s unclear if he’d be open to signing a long-term deal with the Guardians. While players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have expressed interest in staying long-term with Toronto, Bichette has not made a similar commitment.
The Blue Jays may be hesitant to let him walk for nothing, so moving him this winter — especially after an underwhelming 2024 — could be a way to capitalize on whatever trade value he still has. But Cleveland would need to weigh the risk of trading valuable assets for a player who may only give them one season of control before testing free agency. If the Guardians can’t extend him, they could be left in the same position next year — needing a shortstop once again.
From a Cleveland perspective, the uncertainty surrounding Bichette’s future would certainly give them pause. The Guardians’ financial flexibility is somewhat limited, and the idea of committing long-term to Bichette — after his down year and potential injury concerns — might be too much of a gamble. However, with their shortstop situation still in flux, trading for Bichette could be worth the risk, especially if the price is right.
Could the Guardians Pull the Trigger?
Whether Cleveland ultimately makes a move for Bo Bichette will depend on several factors. The Blue Jays’ asking price, Bichette’s willingness to negotiate a long-term deal, and Cleveland’s confidence in their ability to extend him all play a crucial role in any potential trade. But despite the red flags surrounding Bichette’s 2024 season, the potential reward could be significant.
The Guardians have a young, promising core, but they’re still lacking the kind of star power that could propel them back into contention. Adding a proven player like Bichette — even with the uncertainty of his free agency looming — could be the move that puts Cleveland over the hump.
It’s certainly something to keep an eye on this offseason. The Guardians have needs in the outfield and at shortstop, and while Bichette may not be a perfect fit, the combination of his past success and potential for a rebound could make him an intriguing trade target for a team looking to add some firepower to its middle infield.
