Why Braves must acquire Blue Jays All-Star shortstop, per insider
The question surrounding the Atlanta Braves ever since Ronald Acuña Jr.’s tragic tragedy was whether general manager Alex Anthopoulos would acquire an outfielder.
Wondering is understandable because Anthopoulos took precisely similar action when Acuña missed the second half of 2021, and it resulted in a World Series victory. However, the Braves still need to get better in a few other areas.
2023 All-Star Orlando Arcia’s offensive collapse at shortstop this season has been one of Atlanta’s main vulnerabilities. And to address that issue, according to a Major League Baseball insider, the Braves need to sign another All-Star.
The Braves should acquire Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette as their top trade deadline pick, according to ESPN senior writer David Schoenfield’s primer on trade deadlines on Tuesday. This would essentially replace the struggling Arcia in the starting order.
“With an OBP of.245 and a.211 average, Arcia has regressed significantly,” Schoenfield stated. “He does provide good defense, but Bichette could be an impact player for 2024 and 2025.”
26-year-old Bichette is having a rough year. His career average of.803 is significantly higher than his.619 OPS. However, he has also struggled with injuries throughout the season and led the American League in hits twice.
The Braves would, if anything, be purchasing low on one of the best available players in the position. In 2021–2023, Bichette amassed 14.4 wins over replacement. In addition, he would have a contract through the 2025 season, when the Braves still hope to contend for a championship.
Furthermore, any offensive that Bichette offers would surpass what the Braves are currently receiving from Arcia, as Schoenfield suggests. Arcia is dead last in on-base percentage and 145th in OPS among 146 qualifying batters.
Naturally, nobody can predict with any degree of surety whether Toronto will deal Bichette, particularly with the unquestionable scrutiny general manager Ross Atkins is receiving. However, practically speaking, the agreement benefits both parties greatly.
