Blockbuster Trade Proposal Sends 2-Time All-Star to the Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers roster is loaded with superstars at several positions. A proposed trade from Bleacher Report suggests the Dodgers could acquire another star: Toronto Blue Jays’ shortstop Bo Bichette.
“L.A. would be staying within its playbook if it traded for Bichette and moved him to second base,” Zachary D. Rymer wrote in a May 29 story listing potential landing spots for Bichette. However, since Mookie Betts demonstrated his capability at second base last year, the Dodgers could also consider moving him to the keystone.
The Blue Jays, currently 25-29, have several likely trade candidates, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bichette being the biggest names. The Blue Jays might be open to trading them to build for the future. Rymer’s proposed trade suggests sending Bichette to Los Angeles in exchange for one of the Dodgers’ top prospects.
“I don’t think they’re opposed to it,” an unnamed executive told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. “They’ve talked to teams about it. The asks were ridiculous, but I think they’re going to try to retool a lot, and using those guys to get pieces may be the way to do it.”
Dodgers Would Send No. 2 Prospect for Bichette in Proposal
The Dodgers do not necessarily need a shortstop, as Mookie Betts has been performing well in that position this season. However, they could use an upgrade at second base.
“So, it turns out Mookie Betts is a pretty good shortstop,” wrote Rymer. “His 3.8 rWAR is the best of any shortstop, and it’s not strictly because of his .966 OPS. He’s also among the top defenders at the position with four Defensive Runs Saved.”
Rymer’s proposed trade involves sending the Dodgers’ No. 2 prospect, Josue De Paula, to Toronto in exchange for Bichette and right-hander Yimi García.
“A one-for-one swap of Bichette and De Paula doesn’t quite work, so it’s a good thing the Dodgers also need a reliever. But if it’s near-term upside the Blue Jays want, De Paula won’t be their guy,” Rymer wrote. “He’s only 19 and hasn’t exactly been dominating Single-A ball.”
De Paula is the No. 81 overall prospect, according to the MLB Top 100. This trade would provide the Dodgers with an infield upgrade while offering the Blue Jays a young prospect with significant potential.
Bichette Gives the Dodgers an Upgrade
The Dodgers’ primary second baseman, Gavin Lux, has struggled significantly this season, posting a .205/.256/.281 slash line with just one home run in 42 games. The club could utilize Bo Bichette at second base or move Mookie Betts back there, as Betts made 70 appearances at second base in 2023. Notably, Bichette has never played second base in the major leagues.
Despite having a down year, Bichette would still be an upgrade over Lux offensively. Bichette is currently slashing .246/.294/.362 with four home runs. A two-time All-Star, Bichette was an All-Star in 2023, boasting an .814 OPS with 20 home runs. He led the American League in hits in 2021 and 2022 and has a .812 career OPS with 93 home runs. His 2024 numbers do not fully reflect the caliber of player he has proven to be.
Acquiring Bichette would bolster the Dodgers’ lineup and potentially provide a solution to their second base struggles, whether by slotting Bichette directly into the position or by shifting Betts back there.