The Dodgers don’t exactly need Bo Bichette. But when has “need” ever been the bar for this front office?
Every offseason, the Dodgers start with a short checklist - an outfielder here, a few bullpen arms there, maybe a bench bat to round things out. But this is a team that operates with a different kind of freedom.
If there’s a big name on the market, odds are they’ve at least kicked the tires. And if that player fits a long-term vision or plugs a postseason hole - even better.
So when ESPN floated Bo Bichette as the player “most likely to help the Dodgers to a three-peat,” it didn’t exactly come out of left field. David Schoenfield pointed to a few key areas where Bichette fits the mold: he’s young, he hits for average, and he’d be a clear upgrade at second base - even though he’s primarily a shortstop.
Now, let’s be clear: the Dodgers aren’t hurting for infielders. They’ve got versatility up and down the depth chart.
Brendan Donovan, another name tied to LA, is a utility guy who could slot in just about anywhere. Tommy Edman, also on their radar, brings similar flexibility - though he’s coming off ankle surgery that might limit his outfield reps.
Then there’s Alex Freeland, a top infield prospect who’s waiting in the wings. But if we’ve learned anything from how the Dodgers operate, it’s this: they’ll take proven talent over potential nine times out of ten.
Freeland could easily become a key piece in a trade package if the right deal comes along.
Enter Bichette. After a rough 2024, he bounced back in a big way this past season - hitting .311 with an .840 OPS, leading the Blue Jays in both batting average and RBIs. That’s the kind of production that plays anywhere, especially in a lineup that disappeared at times during October.
And let’s not forget the postseason factor. Bichette showed serious toughness coming back from injury and hitting .348 with a .922 OPS through seven playoff games. That’s the kind of October performance the Dodgers would welcome with open arms, especially after another postseason where their offense sputtered when it mattered most.
Financially, it’s complicated - as always. ESPN projects Bichette’s next deal in the $130 million range over five years.
The Athletic sees it closer to $212 million. That’s a big gap, and where the final number lands could determine whether LA makes a real push.
But if the price is closer to ESPN’s estimate, it’s not hard to imagine the Dodgers jumping in. They’ve got the resources, the need for more consistent contact hitting, and the motivation to stay ahead of the pack in an increasingly competitive National League.
Is it a long shot? Maybe.
But the Dodgers don’t live in the world of long shots. They live in the world of possibilities - and Bichette in Dodger blue is very much one of them.