After missing over a month of the season and most of the playoffs, Toronto Blue Jays star shortstop Bo Bichette managed to return for Game 1 of the World Series, but in a new position.
Bichette spent the World Series playing second base, marking his first career start at the position in Game 1 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 27-year-old excelled in the World Series, batting .348 and nearly willing the Blue Jays to victory with a three-run home run in Game 7.
Bichette’s limited mobility after returning from his left knee sprain has had some unintended consequences. With the two-time All-Star set to test free agency for the first time, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported that Bichette is receiving interest from teams across the league that view him as a versatile infielder who could play positions other than shortstop.
“Can confirm Bo Bichette has received interest from multiple teams who view him as a second baseman or third baseman, due to the presence of an established shortstop on those rosters,” Morosi wrote in a post to X on Tuesday. “Further evidence that the World Series augmented his value in the marketplace.”
Bichette had never played a field position other than shortstop in his career before the World Series, only starting as a designated hitter in 31 games in his career. At 27, Bichette offers teams a career .294 batter with the potential to mash 20-plus home runs a season, but his defensive struggles at shortstop may factor into how he’s viewed heading into free agency.
Second basemen aren’t necessarily known for being sluggers, with a few exceptions in the league. Some of the top second basemen at the plate in baseball have converted to the position from other areas, including Ketel Marte and Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Bichette could make the move over to second base or third base, depending on which team signs him. Not only would this help improve his defense, but with shortstop being such a premier position, many teams have a long-term shortstop under contract. Being willing to play multiple positions will open up more opportunities for Bichette.
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