This season, the Toronto Blue Jays are adjusting their batting lineup, and Bo Bichette is making a strong case for being the leadoff hitter. The primary leadoff hitter for the Blue Jays has been George Springer. However, his lackluster offense last season in the leadoff role has forced manager John Schneider to consider mixing things up in the batting order. The Blue Jays would highly benefit from adding an alternative impactful leadoff hitter. While Bo has spent time hitting first in the lineup, he’s never been granted a primary role. According to Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith, Bichette is interested in taking on the role. Bichette commented stating:
“Yeah, it does excite me,” Bichette said. “I’ve spent some time there and always enjoyed my time there. I take it as a challenge to set the tone for the team, and I like challenges, so hopefully, I get that opportunity.”
Why Bichette Deserves to Leadoff
In Bichette’s career hitting in the leadoff spot, he’s showcased impressive numbers. Across 80 games batting first in the lineup, Bichette has sported a .289 batting average. In addition to smashing 15 home runs, 98 hits, 35 RBIs, an OPS of .830, and 52 runs scored. Weighing out the options for leadoff, Bo has the best chance but is still in competition with Will Wagner and Andrés Giménez, who are also suitable options. Wagner has been proven to showcase impressive offense and versatility in camp last season, but this season, he only made his MLB debut for the Blue Jays. Bichette does still have to redeem himself this season following a 2024 injury-prone season. While Giménez is a convincing choice, having Giménez bat further down in the lineup behind Kirk would be effective, given his speed and proven success of stealing bases.
Bichette Set to Rebound This Season
Overall, Bichette’s been a strong breakout candidate in camp. This comes as no surprise, as Bichette also showcased a dominant spring last season. In camp against the Boston Red Sox on March 6th this season, he batted in the leadoff spot. He also recorded three hits and drove in a run in the Blue Jays’ 7-4 victory. This showcases himself as an above-the-radar threat. This is most prominent through his consistent high-contact hitting and reliability in getting on base. In addition, having Bichette hit in front of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will maximize the Blue Jays’ offense and put him in a compromising position to bounce back this season.
Fans didn’t get to witness the elite level of hitting that Bichette normally encompasses last season due to injuries. But Bichette is set to have a rebound season this year. We also can’t ignore the fact that Bichette has led the American League in hits twice in his career (2021, 2022). Bichette is entering the final year of his contract before hitting free agency next winter. Bichette also remains in good health and is set to have a strong season for the Blue Jays this year.
Main Photo Credits: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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