Bo Bichette on Yankees wish list as shortstop questions intensify

Follow Us

NEW YORK — The Yankees face an offseason filled with hard decisions, and none looms larger than what to do at shortstop. Anthony Volpe’s struggles and recent shoulder surgery have forced general manager Brian Cashman to evaluate every option. Among them, Toronto Blue Jays star Bo Bichette stands out — especially after his powerful World Series showing that reminded everyone why he’s one of baseball’s most complete hitters.

Volpe’s injury opens door for speculation

Anthony Volpe underwent surgery on his left shoulder soon after the Yankees’ playoff elimination. The procedure repaired a partially torn labrum and will sideline him until at least late April 2026. Manager Aaron Boone initially described the injury as minor, but Cashman later admitted it had likely affected Volpe’s swing and throwing mechanics all season.

The results on the field told the same story. Volpe finished with a .212 batting average and a .272 on-base percentage. His 19 errors tied for the third-most among all major league shortstops. In October, he batted just .192 in 26 at-bats and struck out 16 times without drawing a walk.

The Yankees’ entire lineup underperformed in the postseason. Aaron Judge collected 13 hits, but no other player had more than six. Cody Bellinger matched that total, and the lack of consistent offense doomed New York’s playoff run earlier than expected.

Bichette shines on biggest stage

While the Yankees faltered, Bo Bichette thrived under pressure. The 27-year-old hit .311 with 18 home runs, 44 doubles, and 73 RBIs during the regular season. His .311 average ranked second in all of Major League Baseball and first in the American League before a late knee injury briefly interrupted his season.

Even while battling a sprained PCL, Bichette delivered in the World Series. He went 8-for-23 (.348) with a key three-run homer in Game 7. It was a statement performance for a player who missed nearly two months after a home plate collision with Yankees catcher Austin Wells in early September.

“He’s not really expecting to make huge progress” while playing through the injury, Bichette told The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal during the series. “But I’ll risk it all to win a World Series championship.”

Before Game 6, he told Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith that he did not expect to need offseason surgery. The Blue Jays adjusted his defensive workload by moving him to second base to protect his knee.

The money question

Bo Bichette’s World Series run only increased his value. According to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, he could command a seven-year deal worth around $189 million. Spotrac projects his annual market value just above $23 million. For a Yankees team already paying Gerrit Cole, Aaron Judge, and Max Fried top salaries, adding Bichette would send payroll soaring beyond $330 million.

But Cashman knows the offense needs help. During his postseason press conference, he admitted the lineup lacked consistency. “The offense underperformed, and we need more balance throughout the lineup,” he said.

Bichette’s age and bat control make him appealing. He’s entering his prime and ranks among baseball’s best in making contact and hitting to all fields. His style fits perfectly in Yankee Stadium, where his doubles power could turn into home runs to the short porch in right.

Rival competition grows

The Yankees are not alone in their interest. Bowden listed both New York and the Boston Red Sox as leading candidates to land Bichette. The Red Sox are facing potential infield departures with Alex Bregman and Trevor Story nearing free agency.

Adding a former division rival has long been part of Yankees lore, from Roger Clemens to Johnny Damon. Pursuing Bichette would follow that same pattern — taking a player who has tormented them in the AL East and turning him into an ally in pinstripes.

The Sporting News also reported that Bichette would prefer a “big-market contender with tradition and ambition,” a description that fits both New York and Boston.

Defensive questions remain

While his offensive record speaks for itself, Bichette’s defense is less convincing. He finished 2025 with minus-13 outs above average at shortstop, the lowest mark of his career. He had a minus-7 in 2022 and ranked near the bottom among AL shortstops this year.

The decline may be linked to injuries. He dealt with back soreness in May and the knee issue in September, which affected his range and footwork. Still, his defensive play in the World Series showed flashes of improvement. Toronto’s staff credited his positioning and quick hands for several key double plays.

Some evaluators believe Bichette could transition to second or third base over time. For the Yankees, that flexibility adds another layer of value. They could keep Volpe or prospect George Lombard Jr. at shortstop and shift Bichette depending on team needs.

Weighing the future

If the season began today, Jose Caballero would likely open at shortstop for the Yankees. Lombard, their top infield prospect, is still in Double-A and not ready for a starting role. That leaves Cashman facing a choice between patience and a bold move.

Investing nearly $190 million in Bichette would all but end Volpe’s chances of regaining the everyday shortstop role. Yet, after two uneven seasons, the Yankees cannot afford another year of lineup uncertainty.

Volpe’s injury recovery adds another unknown. The Yankees insist he remains part of their long-term plans, but they also understand how quickly championship windows close. A healthy Bichette could immediately stabilize the infield and deliver much-needed offensive punch.

The market heats up

The Yankees’ opportunity to act begins this week. Under MLB rules, teams can start negotiating with free agents from other clubs five days after the World Series ends. League insiders expect the Yankees to make an early inquiry.

Bichette’s recent performance, paired with his age and upside, makes him one of the most attractive names on the market. His willingness to move positions could make him even more valuable to New York’s evolving roster.

What’s at stake for New York

The Yankees’ shortstop situation highlights a broader organizational dilemma. They’ve invested heavily in pitching and power, but not enough in balance and contact hitting. Bichette offers both.

His 44 doubles in 2025 alone outpaced the combined total of the Yankees’ bottom four regulars. Adding that kind of steady production could change the lineup dynamic around Judge and Bellinger.

As the offseason begins, all signs point to an active winter in the Bronx. Whether Bo Bichette becomes the solution remains uncertain. But one thing is clear — his performance has caught the Yankees’ full attention, and the conversation inside Yankee Stadium has already begun.

What do you think? Leave your comment below.

Follow Us