The New York Yankees are reportedly considering a move for free-agent infielder Bo Bichette, who recently enjoyed a standout season with the Toronto Blue Jays, particularly showcasing his offensive prowess against the Yankees in 2025. However, the question arises: would pursuing Bichette be a wise decision for New York?
Bichette is expected to command a hefty contract of around $200 million and has indicated a willingness to transition to second base, a position he may be more suited for given his defensive struggles at shortstop. If the Yankees were to secure Bichette’s services, it could lead to a trade involving Jazz Chisholm, whom general manager Brian Cashman has mentioned could be on the move as the team looks to diversify its lineup, which has been criticized for being too left-handed.
Chisholm is in the last year of his contract, making it unlikely that he will be re-signed by the Yankees. While swapping out Chisholm for Bichette could enhance New York’s offensive capabilities, it risks compromising the team’s defense, a factor that contributed to their defeat against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series two years ago. The potential trade-off of Bichette for both Chisholm and Cody Bellinger raises concerns about the overall defensive alignment of the team.
Signing Bichette could mean parting ways with Bellinger, leaving the Yankees in a precarious position with their lineup. A scenario where the Yankees replace Bellinger and Chisholm with Bichette and top prospect Jasson Dominguez might lead to complications in the field. Given the recent history of defensive challenges, bringing in Bichette could exacerbate existing issues rather than resolve them.
In light of these considerations, the Yankees may benefit more from focusing on retaining Bellinger and securing a starting pitcher, rather than pursuing another significant offensive acquisition this offseason. The prioritization of a bolstered pitching rotation and improved defense should take precedence, as these elements are crucial for the team’s competitive success.
Ultimately, while Bichette is a talented player with an impressive offensive track record, his acquisition could introduce more challenges than solutions for the Yankees. The focus should remain on building a well-rounded team that can compete defensively, as well as offensively.