Free-agent shortstop Bo Bichette is informing teams of his willingness to switch to second base, a position he played competently during the 2025 World Series. This move could expand his market amid concerns over his long-term viability at shortstop. The 27-year-old Toronto Blue Jays standout hit .311 last season with strong offensive numbers.
Bo Bichette, a two-time All-Star who has spent all seven MLB seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, entered free agency as the top shortstop available. However, as the offseason progresses toward January, he has begun marketing himself as a versatile infielder. According to sources, Bichette has told potential suitors he is ready to move to second base, the position he played for the first time in his career during the 2025 World Series.
Defensively, Bichette struggled at shortstop last season, posting a -13 Outs Above Average, which tied him for last among shortstops. Over the past five years, his -28 OAA ranks fourth-worst at the position. One source noted, “It seems like the message has gotten through to him that teams don’t view him as a shortstop in the long-term – or maybe even in 2026.” His performance at second base in the seven-game World Series series appeared solid, despite a small sample size and lingering effects from a knee injury that sidelined him for much of the final month, the ALDS, and ALCS.
Offensively, Bichette remains a standout, batting .311 with 44 doubles (second in MLB), 181 hits (tied for second), and 94 RBIs in 139 games. In the World Series, he hit .348 with one home run and six RBIs. MLB Network's Mark Feinsand reported that this positional flexibility could attract more teams, including the Giants, Red Sox, Mariners, Dodgers, Rangers, and potentially the Blue Jays, where he could pair with Andrés Giménez at shortstop. The Braves have also been linked, though they recently signed Ha-Seong Kim for shortstop.
The free-agent second-base market is thin, with Luis Arraez drawing interest, but trade options like Ketel Marte and Brendan Donovan provide alternatives. Bichette's bat is projected to land a top deal this winter, and broadening his positional appeal should aid his search for a new contract.
In related rumors, the Arizona Diamondbacks are considered a long-shot suitor for third baseman Alex Bregman, who seeks a five-year deal potentially exceeding $155 million. Bregman, turning 32 in March, could replace Marte if Arizona trades him for pitching help.
