Mariners, Dodgers lead Bo Bichette’s five best fits as free agency opens

Bo Bichette’s market isn’t just big—it’s bigger than it looked a week ago. After returning for the World Series on one good leg and accepting reps at second base, multiple clubs that didn’t have a shortstop opening now see a lane to add the bat. That’s the shift MLB insider chatter has zeroed in on this week. 

Here are the best fits now for Bichette – if he doesn’t return to the Toronto Blue Jays. 

Mariners — The offense needs one more true middle-order hitter, and the roster already runs on run prevention. With J.P. Crawford at short, Bichette at second is clean and immediately raises the OBP/contact floor in a lineup that leans boom-or-bust. MLB Insider J.P. Morosi explicitly called Seattle out as a fit if Bichette toggles to 2B. 

Yankees — Anthony Volpe’s shoulder surgery creates short-term uncertainty, and the club has shown a willingness to shuffle infield roles when the bat justifies it. Bichette could handle short in 2026 and slide to second as the roster settles; stealing a core bat from a division rival is a bonus. 

Dodgers — Mookie Betts handled shortstop, but their hallmark is optionality. They can move Betts to second or back to the outfield and let Bichette’s bat play. Tommy Edman’s flexibility gives them multiple paths. If L.A. misses on Kyle Tucker, this is the cleanest “add one star, solve three problems” move. 

Giants — San Francisco needs an everyday second baseman bat. With Willy Adames at short and Matt Chapman at third, Bichette at second stabilizes contact and allows the Giants to stack defense around him. The front office has already shown it will be aggressive after a .500 season.

Tigers — Detroit has a path at either middle spot and a clear need for a plus bat. With Trey Sweeney’s 2025 struggles and second base fluid, Bichette lifts the lineup’s floor immediately while they wait on internal growth. If they don’t trade for a star bat, paying for one in free agency tracks.

Bichette’s earned a big contract, in the high $100 to low $200 million range. He slashed .311/.357/.483, 134 wRC+, 3.8 fWAR in 2025, and Statcast shows his underlying numbers have stayed firm with an average 91 mph exit velocity and a 49% hard-hit rate. Defense at short graded poorly a 13 Outs Above Average but the appearance at second base in October reduces risk for buyers who just want the bat.

The willingness to move to second base has opened up the market. It adds clubs with established shortstops and moves Bichette from “square peg, round hole” to plug-and-play in a half-dozen contenders.