Why Bo Bichette's Market Reportedly Could Include Yankees, Mets in MLB Free Agency

Shortstop Bo Bichette's market in free agency could reportedly include the New York Yankees and New York Mets, among other teams, per ESPN's Jeff Passan, who provided a breakdown of potential franchises interested in him and why.

"Between his bat-to-ball skills and power, Bichette is a rare middle-infield, middle-of-the-order bat," Passan wrote. "The questions about his defense are fair -- he was among the worst shortstops in baseball this past season -- but a move to second base (where, still hobbled, he played ably in the World Series) or third base is reasonable.

"But teams haven't been scared off of Bichette at shortstop, according to sources. Beyond the Blue Jays, who have Andrés Giménez to play short but still could conceivably sign Tucker and Bichette, the Atlanta Braves and Detroit have holes at the most important position on the infield. The Yankees could use an upgrade over Anthony Volpe and Jose Caballero. The Mets aren't inclined to replace Francisco Lindor at shortstop, but they do have room to improve at second and third, as do the Phillies."

Bichette, who turns 28 on March 5, has played all seven of his MLB seasons with the Blue Jays. Last year, he hit a career-high .311 (.840 OPS) to go along with 18 home runs and 94 RBI.

A left knee sprain suffered in September cost him the last few weeks of the regular season and the first two rounds of the MLB playoffs. However, he returned for the World Series and hit .348 with a .923 OPS. Bichette also hit a clutch three-run homer in Game 7 of the Fall Classic to give Toronto an early 3-0 lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers, although L.A. ended up winning the game 5-4 in 11 innings.

It was a fantastic comeback campaign after injuries held him to 81 games the year before, when he hit just .225 (.598 OPS) with four home runs. His 2025 form is more in line with his impressive career accomplishments (.294 batting average, .806 OPS, 162-game average of 24 home runs and 95 RBI).

Naturally, teams should be interested in a middle infielder who can provide pop entering his age-28 season. He'll get a big contract as well. ESPN's Kiley McDaniel projected Bichette to sign a five-year, $130 million deal.

We'll see what team wins the bidding war for Bichette as the hot stove season gets going, but there shouldn't be a shortage of suitors for him, especially after a great season.