Braves urged to sign $33 million Blue Jays starter & cut ties with All-Star

The Atlanta Braves are in need of an upgrade at shortstop. After failing to add a long-term option this winter, they could look to land the Blue Jays starting shortstop in 2025.

Orlando Arcia had a down season following his All-Star campaign in 2023.  FanSided's Steven Teal urged the Braves to make a move for Bo Bichette next winter to replace Arcia. Arcia's OPS fell from .741 to .625 last season. He has a club option for 2026 that the Braves could decline in hopes of adding a star player like Bichette.

Bichette also had a down season in 2024, but it seems to be more of an outlier. He was an All-Star in 2021 and 2023. He led the American League in hits in 2021 and 2022. Before last season, he had a .299 batting average. However, he hit just .225 in 2024. The Braves could still get Bichette this offseason, but he would not be cheap in a trade according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

"Still, the Jays do not appear to be shopping Bichette. Executives from three rival clubs, granted anonymity for their candor, said the Jays are open to moving him, but only for a high price," wrote Rosenthal. "Good luck, with Bichette coming off his down year, under club control for only one more season and set to earn $16.5 million in 2025. He also ended the season with a broken finger that required surgery but is expected to be ready for the start of spring training."

Bichette signed a three-year, $33 million extension in 2023. He will be a hot name in free agency and the Braves should be in play.

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