Former MLB executive considers the key to boost the Atlanta Braves’ standing in the National League lies in roping in Bo Bichette. The Braves’ performance has been improving lately, following a rocky onset at the beginning of the season. Now that Ronald Acuna Jr., their one-time MVP, is back in form following his injury recovery, the team shows potential for making a strong comeback. Yet, even with Acuna back, there still exist evident gaps in their game. The shortstop spot is essential, and currently not delivering as per expectations.
Observing this lack, Dan O’Dowd has expressed that Bo Bichette could be the missing piece of the puzzle that brings together the team’s potential and performance. Bichette, with his exceptional skillset of high contact rate, minimal strikeouts, and proficient field utilization, stands as an ideal player for the Braves. Significantly, the team has been struggling to generate offensive production from the shortstop position for several years now. This is an issue that needs urgent addressing.
According to O’Dowd, plugging in a player like Bichette to the Braves’ deficit spot is not only necessary but crucial. He believes this step is needed to bridge the performance gap between the Braves and the leading teams of the National League. However, O’Dowd, the one-time executive of the year, conceded that a trade agreement involving Bichette might indeed be a long shot.
This perceived unlikelihood of a trade is primarily attributed to the Blue Jays’ current pursuit of the playoffs. The team appears to be fully invested in their playoff ambitions for the present season. Thus, letting off a player like Bichette, a two-time All-Star, to another team does not align with their immediate goals.
Despite the seeming improbability, O’Dowd did not completely rule out the possibility of a future trade. As Bichette’s contract is nearing its end and there appears to be no imminent renewal, a trade seems plausible, should signs point towards the Blue Jays’ playoff journey getting derailed by July. This could create a window of opportunity for the Braves, as the Blue Jays might consider a trade if they’re unable to make a significant mark in September and October.
Adding another interesting angle to the mix, O’Dowd speculated a different internal adjustment for the Blue Jays. He suggested moving Andres Jimenez to the shortstop position, creating a possible opening. This shift would not only fill the vacant spot but might also give one of their rising prospects an opportunity for big league time at second base.
O’Dowd further proposed that in such a contingency, a player like Orelvis Martinez could stand a chance. Martinez, widely acclaimed as a prodigious youngster in the league, might be considered a favourable choice to step in. But how these dynamics would unfold greatly depends on the unfolding of the Blue Jays’ current season and, importantly, the potential trade decisions involving Bichette.
The post Bo Bichette: The Missing Puzzle Piece for Atlanta Braves? appeared first on Real News Now.
About Author
