If the New York Yankees are serious about bringing in Bo Bichette, it is not going to be as a shortstop, meaning at least one additional trade would be a must.
A report from The Athletic on Monday revealed that the Yankees do not view Bichette as a shortstop, his natural position, and would be a logical replacement for Anthony Volpe, the youngster who has consistently regressed across his first three big-league seasons and is coming off offseason shoulder surgery.
Bichette, the Toronto Blue Jays product, suffered a sprained knee in September and did not return until the World Series, where he was used as a second baseman for the first time in his MLB career.
It is a move that was always going to be in the cards, though the injury certainly accelerated it. Bichette has long been regarded as a below-average defensive shortstop, with his -13 outs above average (range) ranking within MLB’s first percentile.
While the Yankees seem set to give Volpe one more chance in 2026, Bichette would likely be utilized as a second baseman should he make his way to the Bronx. The problem is that general manager Brian Cashman would then have to deal either Jazz Chisholm Jr. or Ryan McMahon to open up a spot on the infield for Bichette, who batted .311 with an .840 OPS last season.
Chisholm’s name has often cropped up in trade talks throughout the winter despite having a career year to the tune of 31 home runs and an .813 OPS. He bristled at playing third base last year before moving back to his natural position at second base.
