As the Toronto Blue Jays stumble through a frustrating 2025 season, trade speculation around Bo Bichette is intensifying quickly. With the team slipping further in the AL East and postseason hopes fading, the front office may be forced to consider a major move—shipping out their franchise shortstop before the deadline.
At 27 years old, Bichette has been a cornerstone of the Blue Jays since debuting in 2019. He owns a career .296 batting average, has been selected to two All-Star Games, and finished in the top 15 of MVP voting multiple times. His standout performances in 2021 and 2022, where he led the American League in hits with 191 and 189 respectively, solidified his status as one of the game’s elite offensive shortstops.
Despite his value, Toronto has yet to lock Bichette into a long-term extension. With free agency looming after this season, the risk of losing him for nothing could push the Jays toward a bold decision. Reports suggest the team is seriously exploring trade possibilities—and a blockbuster deal may be on the table.
One team that keeps surfacing in rumors? The New York Yankees.
Yankees Could Be a Fit for Bichette
According to former MLB executive and current The Athletic analyst Jim Bowden, the Yankees are a prime landing spot for Bichette, projecting them as his likely free-agent destination this offseason. Bowden even envisioned a five-year, $147 million deal with a potential shift to third base. But New York may opt to strike sooner, eyeing a trade to strengthen their roster for a postseason push.
The Yankees’ infield has been hit hard by injuries, including a recent setback for utility player Oswaldo Cabrera. With the AL East underperforming as a whole—only New York currently sits above .500—this could be the perfect time to make a big move.
Bo Bichette
Plus, the Yankees have the trade assets to make it happen. Some of the top prospects Toronto could target include:
- George Lombard Jr. – A defensively gifted 19-year-old shortstop, currently the Yankees’ top prospect, and a logical candidate to take over if Bichette is dealt.
- Spencer Jones – A towering 6-foot-6 outfielder with major power potential and athleticism. He’s already drawing comparisons to Aaron Judge.
- Ben Hess – A hard-throwing righty with strikeout stuff and long-term upside as a rotation piece.
A trade involving one or more of these players could tempt Toronto to pull the trigger.
Bichette Continues to Deliver
While the Blue Jays struggle, Bichette is still producing. As of Saturday, he’s batting .293 with a .340 on-base percentage, four home runs, and 22 RBIs. When asked about his future, Bichette remained diplomatic:
“We all grow up wanting to be one of those guys that has an opportunity to stay with an organization for their entire career,” he said. “I’m just focused on what I’ve got to do this year to help the team win and be the best version of myself. Whatever happens will happen.”
The question now is whether he’ll finish the season in Toronto—or somewhere else. With the trade deadline approaching fast and Toronto slipping out of contention, dealing Bichette may no longer be a long shot—it might be the smartest option.
And if the Yankees want him in pinstripes before 2026, the time to act is now.
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