The Los Angeles Dodgers saw the San Francisco Giants swing a blockbuster trade for Rafael Devers amid a close division race. The Dodgers could swing a trade of their own to maintain their lead.
The Dodgers’ pitching staff is expected to be healthy at some point, but they could try to fill some holes in their lineup. Michael Conforto has struggled for the Dodgers, and they could try to replace him one way or another. Newsweek’s Andrew Wright suggested the Dodgers could “counter” the Giants trading for Devers by swinging a trade for Bo Bichette from the Toronto Blue Jays.
“The dynamic of the Dodgers defense may change a little bit if they were to go after Bichette, but that wouldn’t be too much to worry about when trying to acquire one of the best shortstops in the league,” wrote Wright. “Bichette has not yet signed an extension with the Blue Jays, making it unclear if he will be a trade piece or if Toronto will try to lock him down with an extension prior to the offseason. If he is made available, another right-handed power bat to counter the excellent left-handed arms in the National League like Robbie Ray, Shota Imanaga, Jesus Luzardo, Christopher Sanchez and more would be an excellent get for Los Angeles.”
The Dodgers would have a few options on where to play Bichette if they acquired him. They could just play Bichette at his natural position and move Mookie Betts to the outfield again. They could also consider sliding Bichette over to second base and moving Edman to the outfield, where he has already played this season.
Bichette may not be available at the trade deadline. The Blue Jays are currently in postseason position and 4 1/2 games back of the American League East lead. The Blue Jays will not want to trade him if they have a chance to make a run in October.
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Bichette will be a free agent after the season and Spotrac projects him to sign a seven-year, $147 million deal in free agency. The Blue Jays may not be able to afford him after committing $500 million to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Bichette is a two-time All-Star and has led the American League in hits twice. This season, he is hitting .268 and has eight home runs.
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