The Atlanta Braves have not had a very eventful offseason. They could land a much-needed upgrade at shortstop through a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Orlando Arcia did not live up to the expectations he set during his All-Star season in 2023. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer proposed this trade that brings Bo Bichette to Atlanta:
- Braves receive: shortstop Bo Bichette
- Blue Jays receive: left-handed pitcher Cam Caminiti
Arcia’s OPS dropped from .741 to .625 last season. The Braves need to bring in an upgrade. Bichette has one year left on his three-year, $33 million deal. Coming off a down year could put his trade value lower than ever.
Bichette is a two-time All-Star but hit just .225 and played in 81 games last season. He would still be an upgrade over Arcia. He has led the American League in hits twice in his career. He has even received Most Valuable Player votes three times in his career.
The Braves would be parting ways with their top prospect and the No. 92 overall prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. The Braves drafted Caminiti with the 24th overall selection of the 2024 Draft. Pulling off a trade for Bichette would give the Braves at least one year of better shortstop play.
If Bichette bounces back from his down year, the Braves could then commit to him long-term. He is due $17.5 million in 2025.
“Because he is slated for free agency after 2025, he only makes sense for win-now teams with serious needs at shortstop,” wrote Rymer. “To this end, the Braves stick out like the sorest of thumbs.”