With the Yankees reportedly at an impasse in negotiations with Cody Bellinger, they’ve begun giving more serious consideration to alternative paths. Bo Bichette is believed to be among them.
A move bringing Bichette to the Bronx would rank among the more surprising developments of the offseason, one that could reshape both the Yankees’ roster and the broader landscape of the American League East.
Here’s a look at some of the potential ripple effects if Bichette were to join the Bronx Bombers.
1. The AL East race gets even more interesting
After sending three teams to the playoffs in 2025, with the Blue Jays and Yankees each winning 94 games and the Red Sox finishing with 89, the AL East has given the sport plenty to talk about this offseason.
Coming off a last-place finish, the Orioles have been one of MLB’s most active clubs over the past few months, making a number of marquee additions as they look to turn the page on last year’s disappointing result. Not to be outdone, Toronto has been aggressive as well after a narrow loss to the Dodgers in the World Series.
Bichette joining the Yankees would add another layer of intrigue, not only making New York’s roster more formidable but also adding a compelling subplot, considering the infielder has spent his entire career with the Blue Jays.
The move would carry potential Hot Stove ramifications as well, as the Blue Jays continue to be linked to free-agent outfielder Kyle Tucker. Seeing Bichette sign with the Yankees could be the fuel that pushes Toronto across the finish line in the race to land Tucker.
2. Chisholm trade talks heat up
There isn’t an obvious fit for Bichette in New York’s infield beyond a short-term opening at shortstop, with Anthony Volpe slated to miss Opening Day after undergoing left shoulder surgery. That said, second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. has been floated as a trade candidate as he enters his walk year.
Adding Bichette to the mix would raise more questions about Chisholm’s future with the organization and put pressure on the club to trade the pending free agent before Spring Training, aiming to avoid the type of camp distractions the Red Sox experienced with Rafael Devers after signing Alex Bregman last February.
3. The Martian gets his shot in left field
Even with a significant gap in their talks with Bellinger, a reunion with the outfielder remains possible for the Yankees. However, a Bichette deal would probably shut that door permanently -- and perhaps cement Jasson Domínguez as the team’s starting left fielder heading into camp.
The Yankees could also explore the trade market for an outfielder, but with limited options available and Bichette covering the team’s need for a big bat, New York might be comfortable turning left field over to Domínguez.
Due to the hype that surrounded him as a teenager and the elbow injury he suffered shortly after his 2023 debut, leading to Tommy John surgery and limiting his availability in ’24, it feels like the Yankees have spent ages waiting for Domínguez to emerge. But he’ll only be 23 on Opening Day, with a mere 529 big league plate appearances under his belt. So there’s still time for the switch-hitter to become a fixture in the Yankees’ outfield.
Also in the mix for outfield playing time in the Bronx is Spencer Jones, MLB Pipeline’s No. 99 prospect. Jones, 24, has big-time power, but questions remain about how his whiff-heavy profile will translate to MLB.