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BREAKING: Dodgers Closing In On Talks To Sign top veteran from rivals
The Los Angeles Dodgers could use a new shortstop and the Toronto Blue Jays happen to be struggling in 2024. So will LA acquire Bo Bichette?
Rumors of a deal between the Dodgers and Blue Jays have circulated for a while. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Dodgers may consider Bichette if he becomes available from the Blue Jays.
As of the writing of this tale, Toronto’s record was 36-43. They are currently ranked bottom in the American League East. It is worth remembering that Bichette has had a disappointing 2024 campaign. According to Rosenthal, the Dodgers may consider him a “prime change-of-scenery candidate.” In other words, LA may believe a trade will help Bichette recover.
There is no reason to mistrust Bichette’s comeback. He is only 26 years old and has already appeared in two All-Star games.
For the Dodgers, the fit makes sense. Los Angeles has already been suggested as a shortstop trade destination, with the team allegedly willing to move Mookie Betts to second base. Meanwhile, Gavin Lux has struggled to establish a rhythm at the plate. Of course, Los Angeles and Toronto have previously agreed on a Cavan Biggio deal, so the team’s prior history of trade discussions may prompt another move.
Betts is currently injured. If the Dodgers sign a shortstop like Bichette before he returns, Betts could instantly take over second base duties.
Bo Bichette’s 2024 season
Bichette has been a major league baseball player since 2019. The Blue Jays built their roster around Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. With both players likely to face free agency soon, barring contract extensions, and the Blue Jays’ underperformance, Bichette and Guerrero have emerged as trade targets.
Guerrero is performing well for the most part in 2024. He will undoubtedly attract interest if the Blue Jays decide to deal him. Despite his disappointing season, Bichette will continue to attract attention.
In 67 games in 2024, the infielder has a.234/.285/.337/.622 batting line. He has four home runs, as well. However, the underlying data indicate that the Bichette may be able to regain shape at some point. These figures will get the Dodgers’ attention.
According to Baseball Reference, Bichette continues to hit the ball hard. In 2023, Bichette had a 45.3 percent hard-hit rate. That figure has fallen in 2024, although not significantly. He now has a 44.8% hard-hit rate.
His line-drive rate is greater than his career average, and his fly-ball rate exceeds his 2023 figure. Furthermore, Bichette is striking out fewer times in 2024 than in 2023, and he is drawing walks more consistently.
So, why is the Blue Jays shortstop struggling?
Bichette has a career batting average on balls in play (BAPip) of.340. In 2023, he achieved a.355 BABip. His lowest career mark to date was.339, which he achieved in 2021.
In 2024, however, Bichette has a .269 BABip. He seems to just be getting unlucky. Additionally, Bichette owns the lowest home run percentage of his career right now. The numbers suggest that Bichette’s luck will turn around soon.
Future Dodgers shortstop?
Both Miguel Rojas and Gavin Lux can play shortstop. However, if the Dodgers do not make a transaction, Betts is likely to return to shortstop once he recovers from his injury. That is not a horrible option, but he is a superior defender at second base.
LA appears to want an upgrade to join Betts in the middle infield. Rojas is an excellent utility player, and Lux was once considered a future star. However, the Dodgers are unlikely to start either guy consistently right now.
As the trade season progresses, Bo Bichette will remain linked to the Dodgers.
