TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 23 – Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette (11) is interviewed as the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers host their media days and practices before the opening game of the MLB World Series at Rogers Centre in Toronto. October 23, 2025. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
Toronto Star via Getty Images
The New York Yankees are never shy about bringing in a star player to reignite their quest for a World Series championship, and this winter might be no exception.
The team took a step back this past season as it was bounced from the playoffs in the American League Division Series by the rival Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays went on to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Fall Classic, bringing them to the brink in an extra-innings Game 7, but they ultimately fell short as well.
Now the Yankees could look to that division rival Blue Jays’ roster for a superstar addition, as franchise shortstop Bo Bichette is now a free agent and could make a good fit in the Bronx.
Though the Yankees seem set for next season at second base with Jazz Chisholm Jr. and at first base with Ben Rice, the team could use an offensive upgrade over Ryan McMahon at third base and their own franchise shortstop, Anthony Volpe, will be missing the start of next year while recovering from a shoulder injury.
That could open the door to a new contract for Bichette, who has reportedly signaled some interest in playing in New York.
“Bichette told everyone who would listen that he wants to stay a Blue Jay as free agency approaches,” Steve Simmons reported for the Toronto Sun. “He said that publicly while quietly telling some people he wouldn’t mind playing in New York in the future. The immediate future.”
Bichette’s private interest in playing in New York could also open the door to a deal with the New York Mets, though their president of baseball operations Dave Stearns emphasized a focus on run prevention after the season ended, and that might rule out Bichette.
But Volpe’s decline with the Yankees could make Bichette a strong option for the Bronx next year and into the future.
“With Anthony Volpe undergoing shoulder surgery that will keep him out for the start of the season, the Yankees can reassess the shortstop position following another down season by their former top prospect,” Mark Feinsand wrote for MLB.com. “Jazz Chisholm Jr. is under control for one more season, so the Yankees could use Bichette at shortstop in 2026, then move either Bichette or Volpe to second base if Chisholm leaves as a free agent. Taking Bichette away from the division-rival Blue Jays would be an added bonus.”
For now, it seems the Blue Jays still sit in the driver’s seat as Bichette’s long-term home. But if the team decides his asking price is too high and that Andres Gimenez is a strong option to take over the position for them, Bichette could be the new star infielder for their division rival next season instead.