Bo Bichette has been on an incredible run since coming up to the Blue Jays. As someone who has been on a historic run, many start to ask is this sustainable?
Bo Bichette as a Blue Jay
Bichette has set rookie record both in the Blue Jays organization and Major League Baseball. His electric start from the beginning is refreshing from the slow starts of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Cavan Biggio. In Bichette, the Blue Jays have an everyday shortstop who is a leader on both sides of the ball.
What sets Bichette apart from other prospects is his speed. Although it was a weak part of his game when drafted, he has made significant improvements in becoming a base-stealing threat. As fans know the Blue Jays for their power and hitting home runs, it’s nice to see someone who can play small ball. This part of his repertoire can offer the Blue Jays with another level of play.
Bichette is placed in the heart of the Blue Jays order at 5th or 6th in the lineup. There is a possibility that he will likely move up in the order. In the minors, he was a lead-off hitter, and likely will have some opportunities to hit first in his career. Although Bichette has been on a hot streak, I doubt Montoyo will move him from the middle of the line up soon.
Comparing Bo to his Dad
Scouts have Bichette on track to being an All-Star player in the coming seasons. Similar to his dad who was a 4-time All-Star and a Silver Slugger Winner in 1995. Dante Bichette ended his career with a .299 average and a .835 OPS in his 14-year career. If Bo were to produce similar numbers, Blue Jays fans would be quite content with that.
Being around the Major Leagues at such a young age, Bichette can be calm and composed around the media. People have made comparisons that he handles the media similarly to Derek Jeter. He appears comfortable and good to give quotes that reflect the sentiments of the team. Bo has the level of focus similar to Jeter where he doesn’t celebrate the big defensive plays, but is ready for the next one and concentrating at the task at hand.
Is This Run Sustainable?
As for the question of sustainability, I think that it is too early to assume Bichette becomes a perennial All-Star. I, like many other fans expect slumps to come over the course of Bichette’s career. Considering a hot start to a career, there is always the thought that a player could fizzle out similar to Jeff Francouer. Although I don’t think that happens to Bichette, it is a thought in the back of my mind.
Generally, I like to see how a player adapts during their second season when teams have scouted weaknesses and looking to target them as much as possible. One of the great aspects of a baseball player is the ability to make the necessary adjustments when things don’t work out in their favor. I can see someone of Bichette’s caliber being a .290 hitter with a .380 OBP and a .900 OPS.
As the Blue Jays have had a disappointing season to say the least. With many seasoned veterans leaving the team, Bichette provides the fans a chance at seeing what a bright future this team can produce in the years to come. Although this hot streak is rather impressive, he will come down from this. Despite this, Bichette makes the perfect fit to an organization that is in need of his abilities. Bo Bichette has been on an incredible run since coming up to the Blue Jays, and hopefully, it will last for years to come.
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