As the calendar year comes to a close, it appears like the rest of MLB is improving, while the Atlanta Braves appear far too content twiddling their thumbs, waiting for something to miraculously happen. While we know Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos does not overpay in free agency, he may be more likely to engineer a blockbuster deal to improve this squad.
Although Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic ($) did not directly link Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette to Atlanta, he did say that Ross Atkins and company are more likely to extend first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., trade Bichette, and sign third baseman Alex Bregman than anything else this offseason. With Bichette not being prioritized, may the Braves take advantage of this situation?
Atlanta is nearing the final year of its three-year contract with starter shortstop Orlando Arcia. While he is making chump change to play for the Braves, Atlanta cannot afford another weak year from him after last year’s performance. Arcia went from being the National League’s starting shortstop in the 2023 MLB All-Star Game to becoming an absolute liability for Atlanta at the plate and on the field. Trading for Bichette might help the Braves inject some much-needed energy into their team.
Atlanta Braves have even more reason to trade for Bo Bichette right now
While Anthopoulos has received some flack this offseason, nothing compares to the amount of barbs that have been thrown Ross Atkins’ way in Toronto. The Blue Jays simply were not good enough to be anything more than a fringe playoff team under his guidance with its current core. They went for it, but Toronto only went so far. It might be time to reboot it to some extent up in Canada.
The Braves might potentially trade for and extend Bichette to become their long-term starting shortstop. Across the diamond, the Braves have recently extended Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson, and Austin Riley. This is how Anthopoulos prefers to develop his perennial contender club. It would not be an overpay to trade for and extend Bichette.
As for the Braves, they could conceivably trade for and extend Bichette to be their starting shortstop of the future going forward. Across the diamond, Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson and Austin Riley have all been extended by the Braves in recent years. This is the manner in which Anthopoulos prefers to build his perennial contending team. It would not be an overpay trading for and extending Bichette.
Overall, something needs to give if the Braves are going to make any significant moves this offseason. They’ve already let Max Fried join with the New York Yankees and cut connections with Travis d’Arnaud. Bichette is unlikely to arrive in Atlanta as a cure-all for Braves fans, but dealing for him would be consistent with everything Anthopoulos has done thus far to develop a winning team. Anthopoulos’ already strong links to Toronto make this perfect trade partner more feasible.
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