**Braves Linked to All-Star Shortstop Ahead of Trade Deadline**
As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Braves are once again poised to be buyers, hoping for a haul similar to the 2021 acquisitions that propelled them to the World Series.
Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos is focusing primarily on upgrading the outfield. There’s also the possibility of bolstering the pitching staff, as relievers are relatively inexpensive and the rotation’s future is uncertain.
However, shortstop is a critical area that needs improvement. Orlando Arcia might improve in the second half of the season, but he’s not reliable enough for postseason play, which is the Braves’ main goal.
This article continues a short series highlighting individual trade targets mentioned by CBS Sports’ R.J. Anderson, focusing on the highest-profile shortstop potentially on the market.
**Bo Bichette, SS, Blue Jays**
Like Tarik Skubal of the Tigers, the Blue Jays may not be sellers and likely won’t part with Bo Bichette unless they receive an enticing offer. The Braves could be potential suitors.
Bichette, a 26-year-old shortstop, has been solid defensively and has provided above-average offense for his position. However, he is struggling this season, with an OPS of .619 and a .231 batting average with four home runs, compared to his career average OPS of over .800.
There is hope for Bichette to positively regress. He has accumulated 14.4 WAR over three seasons from 2021 to 2023 and has consistently finished in the top 16 of the AL MVP race each year.
If the Braves manage to trade for Bichette, he would stabilize the shortstop position for this season and the next, as he is under team control through 2025. This could align well with the development of Nacho Alvarez, the Braves’ shortstop of the future, who is currently excelling in Triple-A Gwinnett. Alvarez could continue to hone his skills or be used as trade bait to extend Bichette’s contract, a move Anthopoulos has made before.
A change of scenery might benefit Bo Bichette, and the Braves have a history of reviving struggling players who find success in Atlanta.
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