Bo Bichette’s Bat Plays in Atlanta Despite Defensive Concerns

It’s hard to believe that the lowest-rated player at his position could be among the most sought-after free agents this offseason. 

Make no mistake, Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette has taken massive steps toward resurrecting his career in 2025. And just in time, as Bichette will become an unrestricted free agent for this first time after this season ends. 

According to MLB.com, Bichette is among the top potential free agents in the upcoming class. In a look at the top 10 players expected to “drive the free-agent market,” Mark Feinsand placed Bichette in the No. 5 spot. 

“The shortstop market will be thin this winter, putting Bichette in position to score big in his first foray into free agency,” Feinsand reasoned.  

That would not have been the case a year ago. 

Bo Bichette Tops List of Pending Free Agents Despite Low Marks Defensively

After three seasons as one of the best hitters in baseball, twice leading the American League in hits, Bichette had “a nightmarish 2024,” playing just 81 games due to injuries and posting a slash line of .225/.277/.322. However, Bichette has regained his stroke in 2025.  

With 158 hits, he is tied atop the league with Trea Turner, and he is second overall with 39 doubles, while slashing .298/.341/.465 with 16 home runs and 82 RBIs. The offensive bounce back has analysts speculating that Bichette could command a deal of seven or eight seasons for more than $200 million.  

It certainly won’t be because of his defense. 

In a Saturday column for Bleacher Report spotlighting the best and worst defenders at each position for 2025, Joe Reuter has Bichette holding up the bottom spot among MLB shortstops. Citing the metrics including -11 Defensive Runs Saved, -10 Outs Above Average (OAA), -8 Fielding Run Value, and a poor fielding percentage of .976, Reuter stated that Bichette “is now in the midst of arguably the worst defensive season of his career.” 

“It will be interesting to see how the free-agent market treats Bichette this winter, and whether teams target him as a shortstop or look to seize this opportunity to shift him to a less demanding defensive position,” Reuter wondered. 

But as Bichette has reminded people around the league this season, his bat will play just about anywhere. Perhaps in Atlanta. 

Bo Bichette’s Strong Bounce Back Offensively Would Fit Nicely in Braves Lineup

Feinsand’s analysis had floated the Atlanta Braves as a “potential landing spot” for Bichette, and it makes sense. A perennial playoff contender, the Braves have disappointed in 2025, and bringing in a star like Bichette would be a big step toward re-establishing their NL East dominance.  

Atlanta’s lineup is built to bludgeon opponents with relentless offense, and Bichette’s bat would only deepen that identity. The Braves don’t need him to be Ozzie Smith at shortstop — they need him to keep hitting doubles into the gap and putting pressure on pitchers. In a roster loaded with stars, his defensive shortcomings would get masked while his offensive consistency shines. 

That’s a stark contrast to Toronto, where Bichette’s flaws are under a microscope. The Blue Jays have publicly suggested they’ll make extending Bichette “a priority” this offseason, but even those close to the team admit the words feel more like a talking point than a plan. One uncomfortable truth hovers over the conversation: his combination of declining speed, injury history, and mounting defensive metrics makes a long-term commitment an enormous gamble. 

Add in the financial reality — Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s megadeal likely shrinks the room for another nine-figure contract — and it’s no wonder projections have Toronto moving on. Some analysts have flat-out predicted that the Blue Jays will cut ties this winter, unwilling to risk paying superstar money to a player whose glove has become a liability. 

Atlanta, by contrast, looks like the kind of environment where Bichette could flourish. A contender that can hide defensive warts and squeeze maximum value out of his bat. A market that knows how to build around stars. And for Bichette, a chance to reset the narrative: no longer the lowest-rated defender at shortstop, but a middle-of-the-order force. 

Dave Benson is a veteran writer with over three decades of journalism experience covering sports primarily in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Dave is also a licensed English teacher and spent several years teaching at the middle school level. More about Dave Benson