The Atlanta Braves are facing a clear issue at shortstop, and so far, they’ve done little to address it—or any of their other concerns this offseason.
After being a borderline playoff team last season, the Braves appear to have taken a step back. Starting pitcher Max Fried has already signed with the Yankees, and Charlie Morton seems to be on his way out of Atlanta as well.
Although the Braves were reportedly interested in free-agent shortstop Willy Adames, they missed out as he joined the San Francisco Giants. Their best remaining option might be to pursue a blockbuster trade for Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette.
This Braves-Blue Jays trade would send an All-Star shortstop to Atlanta
The Blue Jays have reportedly attracted significant trade interest in Bo Bichette despite his struggles during the 2024 season. Bichette posted a .225/.277/.322 slash line with just four home runs, marking a down year for the 26-year-old. However, this is the same player who recorded an OPS+ of 120 or higher in each of his first five MLB seasons, showcasing his talent and retaining substantial trade value.
Proposed Trade:
Atlanta Braves Receive:
- SS Bo Bichette
Toronto Blue Jays Receive:
- RHP Bryce Elder
- SS Nacho Alvarez Jr.
- LHP Dylan Dodd
Trade Breakdown:
Bryce Elder, 25, showed promise in his first 40 MLB starts but struggled significantly in his last 10. Though his velocity and stuff are not elite, he was reliable for a year and a half, and as a young arm, he presents a reclamation project for the Blue Jays, who are in desperate need of starting pitching.
Nacho Alvarez Jr. impressed with a .284/.391/.401 slash line in the minors last season before facing difficulties in the majors. He could fill the role of a replacement infielder for the Blue Jays, while Orelvis Martinez would still compete for Toronto’s long-term shortstop role.
Dylan Dodd, a pitcher who relies on command and movement rather than high-end velocity, hasn’t stood out as a top prospect but could develop into a valuable big-league arm within the next couple of seasons if he reaches his potential in Toronto.
For the Braves, this deal would address their need for a talented infielder. Bichette has the upside to regain his All-MLB form at shortstop, and even in a worst-case scenario, he could still provide production similar to Orlando Arcia. At his best, Bichette has the potential to rank among the game’s elite shortstops.
Be the first to comment