The SF Giants have had a bit of a revolving door at shortstop this season. Therefore, it makes sense why the Giants are seen as a possible landing spot for former All-Star shortstop Bo Bichette if the Blue Jays trade him.
SF Giants trade proposal has team trading Marco Luciano for All-Star shortstop
The Giants were spoiled for over a decade when it was pretty much a sure thing that Brandon Crawford would be the team’s starting shortstop. He departed after a decline in play the last few years and the Giants ended up going with another veteran, Nick Ahmed, to replace him.
Ahmed played about as expected this season before his injury. He played a very solid defensive shortstop for the team and was a below average hitter which is consistent with his career. Since his injury, the Giants have cycled through a few players at the position.
Casey Schmitt was called up at first to replace Ahmed but did not hit well enough to keep the role. Marco Luciano, long presumed the team’s future shortstop, has hit well in the majors but his defense has been unbelievably bad, especially in major moments. Brett Wisely has hit great and been really impressive defensively at short so far and if he keeps it up he may definitely stay in the majors. Tyler Fitzgerald has also seen time at short and has helped the team with his speed.
While there is promise in all of these options, it is not clear that any one player can be the everyday shortstop. Schmitt has not hit well enough, Luciano’s defense is a huge question mark, and Wisely and Fitzgerald may be better suited as versatile utility men rather than everyday players. Trading for Bichette would solve a lot of these problems.
Bichette is a two-time All-Star and has impressed with his bat throughout his career. Last season he slashed .306/.339/.475 with 20 home runs and 73 RBI. His career .295 average would be very welcome in a Giants lineup that could certainly use more consistent contributors.
Bichette is struggling a bit this year as are the Blue Jays which is why his name has come up in trade rumors. He is currently slashing .251/.298/.365 with 4 home runs and 25 RBI. The Jays are currently in last place in the AL East with a record of 26-29. It is too early for them to push the panic button, but if they do not show any signs of turning things around by the trade deadline, they may decide to be sellers.
What would the Giants have to give up to get Bichette? It would probably cost quite a bit. Zachary Rymer at Bleacher Report believes the Giants would have to give up Luciano and starting pitching prospect Carson Whisenhunt to land Bichette. That would be a pretty penny, but Bichette would not be a rental as he is signed through 2025.
It may be a little early to put too much stock into trade rumors. However, if the revolving door at shortstop continues for the Giants and if the Blue Jays continue to struggle, it may make sense for the Giants to take a chance on landing Bichette especially if they are still in the playoff race.
