Bo Bichette’s name is back in the trade conversation, but the latest reporting makes one thing clear: moving him is going to be a headache.
The Athletic described the challenge in blunt terms, noting that if dealing Francisco Lindor is difficult, Bichette only raises the degree of difficulty because of the contract he signed before the season. That deal runs three years and is worth $126 million, with player opt-outs after both 2026 and 2027.
“If you think moving Francisco Lindor is hard, just up the difficulty with Bichette, who has player opt-outs after 2026 and 2027 as part of the three-year, $126 million contract he signed entering the season. Bichette has adapted to third base rather well, and his bat has been very good following two very poor months to start the season. He could help several teams, but it’s especially hard to settle on his value given the uncertainty of the contract,” The Athletic wrote.
Bichette is still the kind of player teams would want in the right situation. He’s a two-time All-Star and has led the American League in hits twice, so the résumé is there.
But the numbers this season show why the market is tricky to read. He’s hitting .253 with a .670 OPS, which would be his worst mark in a full season, and his 86 OPS+ would also be his lowest in a full campaign.
That’s the crux of it now: this isn’t really about whether Bichette can play. It’s about what a club is willing to absorb for a player owed $40 million in each of the next two seasons.
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