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All-Star Shortstop Deemed Not a Fit for Atlanta Braves

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ortstop-deemed-not-a-fit-for-atlanta-braves.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, October 18th 2025 at 11:59 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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The Rise and Fall of Bo Bichette’s Braves Dream: A Story of Potential, Politics, and Perception

The Atlanta Braves' pursuit of shortstop talent has been a recurring narrative over the past decade. While Orlando Arcia currently holds the position, the team’s long-term plans at short have been repeatedly questioned, fueling speculation about potential replacements. For a time, Bo Bichette, then a highly touted prospect in the Toronto Blue Jays system, seemed destined to be that answer. However, a confluence of factors – performance concerns, organizational politics, and ultimately, a perceived lack of fit – led to Atlanta effectively abandoning its pursuit of the now-established MLB star.

The Sports Illustrated article by Ken Rosenthal details this complex saga, revealing how Bichette’s path to Atlanta was derailed despite initial enthusiasm. The Braves initially prioritized Bichette during his draft year in 2019, viewing him as a potential cornerstone player. He possessed a powerful bat and displayed flashes of defensive promise, characteristics the Braves organization valued. According to Rosenthal's reporting, Atlanta considered trading up in the draft to secure Bichette at number two overall, only being edged out by the Arizona Diamondbacks who selected Corbin Carroll.

The article highlights the significant role played by then-Braves general manager Anthopoulos (Alex Anthopoulos), a familiar face given his previous tenure with the Blue Jays. Anthopoulos’s familiarity with Bichette – having scouted and developed him during his time in Toronto – undoubtedly influenced Atlanta's strong interest. The Braves were reportedly prepared to offer significant assets, including top prospects, to acquire Bichette from the Blue Jays.

However, several red flags emerged that ultimately soured Atlanta’s pursuit. The primary concern revolved around Bichette’s defensive abilities. While possessing a strong arm, his fielding mechanics and range were deemed problematic by Braves scouts. Rosenthal cites sources within the organization who expressed concerns about his footwork and overall defensive consistency. The article notes that while Bichette's offensive potential was undeniable, the perceived need for significant defensive improvement made him a riskier acquisition.

Beyond performance, organizational dynamics played a crucial role. The Blue Jays, under then-general manager Ross Atkins, were reportedly hesitant to part with Bichette, even for a substantial package of prospects. The article suggests that Atkins viewed Bichette as a vital piece of the team’s future and was unwilling to entertain offers that would significantly deplete their farm system. This reluctance created a stalemate in negotiations.

Furthermore, internal discussions within the Braves organization contributed to the shift in perspective. According to Rosenthal's sources, some members of the scouting department questioned whether Bichette’s personality and work ethic aligned with the team’s culture. While these concerns remain largely unsubstantiated and are presented as perceptions rather than concrete evidence, they added another layer of complexity to Atlanta’s evaluation of Bichette. The article doesn't elaborate on specifics regarding his perceived attitude but implies a concern about coachability and dedication to improvement, particularly concerning his defense.

The Blue Jays ultimately signed Bichette to a contract extension in 2021, solidifying his place in Toronto. Since then, he has blossomed into an All-Star shortstop, consistently demonstrating the offensive power that initially attracted the Braves’ attention. His performance – including multiple seasons hitting over .300 with significant home run totals – stands in stark contrast to the doubts expressed by some within the Atlanta organization.

The article also touches upon the irony of the situation. The Braves, while pursuing Bichette, were simultaneously developing their own shortstop prospects. Austin Riley, initially drafted as a third baseman, transitioned to shortstop and eventually found his place at third base. This internal development lessened the urgency for acquiring an external solution like Bichette.

The story serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of player evaluation and acquisition in professional baseball. It underscores how factors beyond pure talent – defensive deficiencies, organizational politics, perceived personality clashes – can derail even the most promising pursuits. While Bo Bichette has proven himself to be a valuable asset for the Blue Jays, his near-acquisition by the Braves remains a significant “what if” moment in Atlanta’s recent history, highlighting the unpredictable nature of baseball and the often-subjective process of building a championship team.

[ https://www.mlb.com/news/bo-bichette-signs-contract-extension-with-blue-jays ] - This URL, linked within the original article, confirms Bichette’s contract extension with the Blue Jays in 2021, solidifying his commitment to the team and ending any possibility of him joining the Braves. The article details the terms of the agreement and expresses optimism for Bichette's continued development within Toronto.