The 2025 season is considered a “losing” year by New York Yankees standards, exiting the postseason in the American League Division Series. The club will need to bounce back into competitive shape by improving its roster, as the wheels fell off in October. Could the name Bo Bichette be in the Yankees’ plans?
For a very long time, the Yankees’ shortstop position was occupied by a man whose main result was victory. He was not the real “Mr. October”, but he was one of the modern-day versions, even earning the “Mr. November” moniker in one extraordinary circumstance.
That man is Derek Jeter, and that caliber of player cannot be duplicated. The multi-skilled tools Jeter brought to the Yankees were a contributing factor in seven World Series appearances and five championships. The player the Yankees had in mind to become the next version of Jeter was a high-ranking prospect, Anthony Volpe.
Unfortunately, Volpe has not pulled his weight so far in the pinstripes and has not answered the call of “clutch”. The Yankees may be looking further past Volpe, into the backyard of a newly hot rival.
Bichette has been a big name lingering around the free agent market early, as he comes off his contract year with the Toronto Blue Jays. A few questions will linger in the Bronx baseball market: Do the Yankees stick with Volpe? Or could they be dreaming of Bichette?
Volpe’s Rough Year Brightens the Thought of Bo Bichette on the Yankees
The answer to this question is a very simple one if looking at it head-on. What makes that question even easier to answer is that Volpe may not be available for Opening Day or even the first month of the 2026 season.
The Yankees infielder was playing injured for long stretches this season, leading to a partial tear in his labrum. He had surgery after the season ended. Further, let’s consider the low-performing year he had this season. Volpe’s batting average was a ridiculous .212 with a .272 on-base percentage.
Volpe had 19 home runs, 114 hits, and 72 RBI in 539 regular-season at-bats. He struck out 150 times, only walking 43 times. Like the rest of the Yankees team, his offense in October was almost non-existent, aside from a solo home run in the Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox.
Volpe hit .192 in seven postseason games, striking out 16 times with no walks in 26 at-bats. His contribution when it mattered was missing in action. This was only his third season in the Major Leagues, and it seems that his numbers are declining.
Defensively, Volpe struggled a lot this year, and it was noticeable. He led the league with 19 errors committed at shortstop and recorded a .963 fielding percentage, which is below the league average.
Does Bichette Fit In?
Bichette has been chasing the possibility of becoming a franchise player. When all lights shine on Vladimir Guerrero Jr., this may not be possible for Bichette in Toronto. It seems that Bichette could be on the fence about being there.
Bo Bichette had some heartfelt thoughts after the game regarding his teammate Vlad Jr. pic.twitter.com/bk6nkOxpdN
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) November 2, 2025
The shortstop’s home run in Game Seven of the World Series was a testament that he hasn’t lost much of his groove, despite missing most of the postseason with a knee injury. That home run was a grain of sand in the reasoning why a Bichette contract could be of good value.
Bichette’s estimated market value sits between $180-$190 million over an eight to nine-year period. The Yankees can absolutely honor that, and even beat further offers.
The shortstop has the offensive abilities to play in the Bronx and would take the shortstop spot, despite some rumors that he could take over second base. Signing a player of his caliber would remake the Yankees’ infield moving forward.
The Blue Jays will have the first crack at retaining Bichette. However, free agency is often a wide-open proposition, and the Yankees will be in that conversation if they’re looking for a shortstop.
Main Photo Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
