After a great start to the season, the Detroit Tigers’ division to lose is the American League Central. As of Friday, Detroit leads the Cleveland Guardians by 3 1/2 games with a current record of 29-15. The squad is certainly going to be a buyer at the trade deadline and hunt for reinforcements. Bo Bichette, a two-time All-Star, may be one of them.
With a.290 average over 183 at-bats, three home runs, 21 RBI, and an OPS+ 114 that is just above average, Bichette is off to a great start this season. The Blue Jays will be looking to cut costs in other areas after signing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a massive 14-year, $500 million extension; Bichette has been rumored to be a casualty of this retooling since Guerrero Jr. signed his deal.
As he hits free agency at the conclusion of the season, the 27-year-old shortstop is expected to get a sizable payout. The Tigers would owe Bichette the remaining $17.58 million this season and had the first opportunity to sign him on a long-term contract if they made a strong play for him.
Trey Sweeney has had a great start to the season, but after hitting.218 in 36 games for Detroit the previous season, it’s doubtful that he will continue to hit at a.266 pace for the Tigers.
Bichette would be a guy that contributes to this Tigers club and steps in immediately. Along with Spencer Torkelson, the Tigers would have a potent lineup combination thanks to his bat and Javier Baez’s successful comeback season.
The Tigers should be looking to make this move as the season goes on, and it makes a lot of sense to go out and bring in Bichette.
