New York is one of the few contenders without a concrete plan for the shortstop. Anthony Volpe is coming off a brutal season and will miss the start of the 2026 campaign after labrum surgery. Nutman Jose Caballero will likely cover the shortstop until Volpe returns. The Yankees also re-signed Amed Rosariowho has a lot of experience playing the middle.
Top prospect George Lombard Jr. is a candidate for the position in the future, but stepping in this season would be a tall order for the 20-year-old. Adding Bichette would obviously be a long-term commitment, although he could move to second or third base once Lombard is ready.
The Yankees have primarily been tied to pitchers and outfielders in free agency, but a notable internal development could change that approach. Reports emerged in mid-December that the team was listening to offers for an infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. With the front office potentially less than enthusiastic about extending Chisholm, who will be a free agent in 2027, it might make sense to flip him now. Chisholm’s departure would open up a spot at second base, a position Bichette has said he would be willing to play.
The case for the Cubs is similar. Chicago doesn’t have a clear need at center Dansby Swanson And Nico Hoerner locked up at shortstop and second base, respectively. However, Hoerner has trading interests. The speedy infielder is entering the final season of the three-year, $35 million extension he signed in 2024. Similar to the Yankees and Chisholm, if the Cubs don’t plan to bring back Hoerner, moving him for other assets would be a wise choice. Hoerner is having a strong season in which he hit .297 with 29 stolen bases.
There is also the third basic option. The hot corner has been vaguely mentioned as a defensive landing spot for Bichette, who has seen his stats drop significantly at shortstop. In a separate message mentioning several free agents including Bichette, Heyman reported That he’s generating interest at second base, shortstop and third base. Bichette could be something of a fallback option if Chicago falls short in its quest Alex Bregman.
Bichette only played shortstop at the MLB level until a brief cameo at second base last season. In his return from a knee injury in September, Bichette played in five games as the cornerstone of the World Series. He played 30 games at second base in the minors. Bichette has never played third base as a professional. His subpar arm strength wouldn’t be ideal at the position, but it could be a better spot for his declining range. Bichette ranked in the first percentile in Outs Above Average last season. At third base he would have the foul line as a bumper on one side, with the rangy Andres Gimenez supporting him on the other side.
The Dodgers did that Mookie Betts locked in at shortstop, but second base is a short-term hole, and third base could be needed long-term. Of course, shortcomings are relative when it comes to back-to-back champions. The second basic mix currently includes KBO imports Hyeseong Kimexpectation Alex Vrijlandand the recently re-signed Miguel Rojas. Tommy Edman can also play a role when he’s not playing in the outfield. Even if there isn’t a clear standout in the group, there are likely enough options for LA to adequately cover the position without a big signing like Bichette.
Again, third base is a more interesting discussion. The Dodgers took the lead again Max Muncy via a $10 million club option. However, he is only signed until 2026. Muncy will turn 36 before the end of next season. Injuries have cost him a lot of time over the past two years. His tenure with the Dodgers will likely end sometime in the near future. If the club views Bichette as a viable player at third base, he could spend a year at second base and then move to the hot corner for the remainder of what will likely be a long-term contract.
Photo courtesy of John E. Sokolowski, Imagn Images
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