Vague Bo Bichette rumor could be Yankees' answer to solve various problems

If the New York Yankees went out and signed Bo Bichette in free agency, they’d immediately turn what’s already looking like a questionable offseason into a triumph. Bichette would be an obvious upgrade at shortstop to Anthony Volpe, whose career might benefit by getting a fresh start elsewhere while he’s still young (and before the Yankees mess with him further). Bichette’s bat would help mitigate the Yankees’ contact and swing-and-miss issues, as well as make up for the possible loss of Cody Bellinger.

Indeed, a Yankees offseason defined so far by a weird Trent Grisham qualifying offer (it’s early, we know) would be flipped on its head in the best possible way with a Bichette signing. And it’s not a completely arbitrary concept to suggest that Bichette could be wearing pinstripes soon, as multiple rumors — though somewhat vague in their nature — have linked him to New York in recent days.

The MLB free-agent rumor mill is churning out visions of Bo Bichette to the Yankees, and Anthony Volpe critics are glowing 

On Nov. 6, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand and MLB Network’s Jon Morosi both discussed Bichette in connection with the Yankees.

“With Anthony Volpe undergoing shoulder surgery that will keep him out for the start of the season, the Yankees can reassess the shortstop position following another down season by their former top prospect,” Feinsand wrote.

“Jazz Chisholm Jr. is under control for one more season, so the Yankees could use Bichette at shortstop in 2026, then move either Bichette or Volpe to second base if Chisholm leaves as a free agent. Taking Bichette away from the division-rival Blue Jays would be an added bonus.”

Morosi echoed the value of Bichette’s positional versatility and linked him to the Yankees and Seattle Mariners.

“A team like the Seattle Mariners (could be a fit) … even a team like the New York Yankees,” Morosi said. “If Bo was able to move around the infield, the number of potential landing spots for him grows … Bo Bichette’s infield versatility, and the fact that … there’s a belief he’s going to be able to heal from that leg injury without needing surgery … these are all really encouraging data points for Bo Bichette, and I think he’s going to find a robust market.”

A few days later, Toronto Sun’s Steve Simmons added to the Bichette-Yankees buzz. “Bichette told everyone who would listen that he wants to stay a Blue Jay as free agency approaches,” Simmons wrote on Nov. 9. “He wants to continue his World Series quest with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. He said that publicly while quietly telling some people he wouldn’t mind playing in New York in the future. The immediate future.”

“So, maybe he stays,” Simmons continued. “Or, maybe he doesn’t. Or, maybe he already knows where he wants to be. The Blue Jays are taking the soft approach here. They’re letting Bichette walk to free agency. They are, in their words, respecting the free agency he has earned over time.”

Most Yankees fans have lost faith in Brian Cashman's ability to pull off a deal for a prime-aged player of Bichette's caliber, which is what would make such a signing that much sweeter in New York. If Bichette's interest is real, the Yankees have every reason to pursue given everything he'd have the potential to solve. But can they afford to squeeze in Bichette, Bellinger and bullpen help?