The Atlanta Braves have already made some solid moves this offseason after missing the playoffs in 2025 with a 76-86 record, but MLB Network insider Jon Morosi believes there could be a major splash still to come at shortstop.
In a recent segment on MLB Network, Morosi predicted that the Braves could be a top landing spot for free agent Bo Bichette if the Toronto Blue Jays decide to sign outfielder Kyle Tucker instead of bringing back their longtime shortstop.
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“How about former Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos being the one who signs to play shortstop in Atlanta?” Morosi proposed. “Keep that idea in mind.”
A Familiar Connection
The prediction makes sense when you consider the history between Anthopoulos and Bichette.
The Braves’ president of baseball operations was running the Blue Jays front office when Toronto drafted Bichette in the second round back in 2016, and he watched the young shortstop develop into one of the organization’s top prospects before leaving for Atlanta in 2017.
Bichette bounced back in a big way during the 2025 season after a rough 2024 campaign, hitting .311 with 18 home runs and 94 RBI while helping lead the Blue Jays to the World Series.
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The two-time All-Star has twice led the American League in hits and owns a career .121 wRC+, making him one of the more talented shortstops available on the free agent market.
Why It Could Happen
Toronto seems unlikely to sign both Bichette and Tucker this winter given the massive contracts both players are expected to command.
If the Blue Jays prioritize Tucker in their pursuit of another World Series run, Bichette would hit the open market and the Braves would be well-positioned to pounce.
Atlanta desperately needs an upgrade at shortstop after the position was a weakness throughout their disappointing 2025 season.
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The Braves recently acquired Mauricio Dubon from the Astros, but he projects more as a utility option than an everyday starter at the position.
What Atlanta Has Already Done
The Braves have been busy addressing other roster holes while they wait for the shortstop market to develop.
They re-signed closer Raisel Iglesias to a one-year, $16 million deal and added former Padres closer Robert Suarez on a three-year, $45 million contract, giving them one of baseball’s best back-end bullpen combinations heading into 2026.
Atlanta also signed outfielder Mike Yastrzemski to a two-year, $23 million deal, adding some depth to an outfield that already includes Ronald Acuña Jr., Michael Harris II, and Jurickson Profar.
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For Morosi’s prediction to become reality, Braves fans may need to root for the Blue Jays to sign Tucker first.
If that happens, Bichette could be on his way to Atlanta where he would reunite with the executive who helped start his professional career.
