Bo Bichette of the Blue Jays gains attention for expressing desire to win, sparking trade rumors
Bo Bichette, star shortstop for the Toronto Blue Jays, sparked trade speculation amidst a challenging season for the team. In a departure from the norm where athletes often avoid controversial statements, Bichette openly discussed his desire to win and hinted at interest in teams like the San Francisco Giants.
“I haven’t really explored the city much. For me, first and foremost, I want to win. That would be the No. 1 priority for me if I was choosing a team, and the Giants are obviously committed to that,” Bichette told NBC Sports San Francisco in a widely circulated clip on social media.
“They’re in a position to get the right type of players and I think that’s what’s important.”
Bichette’s comments surprised baseball fans, with some interpreting them as a plea for a trade.
“This is crazy. … Dude is basically begging to be traded here! When does that ever happen???” tweeted X user @SFGiantsGuy_ on Wednesday.
“Make it happen!”
With Major League Baseball’s trade deadline approaching on July 30, Toronto Blue Jays players have been making headlines for expressing openness to playing for other teams. Star shortstop Bo Bichette recently sparked speculation by discussing his interest in teams like the San Francisco Giants during an interview with NBC Sports San Francisco.
“How is one of your star players on another network talking about how he’d love to play for an organization like the Giants?” wrote one commentator, expressing surprise and criticism. “This team keeps finding new, hilarious ways to embarrass itself.”
Bichette isn’t the only player generating buzz ahead of the trade deadline. Last month, star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. softened his stance on potentially joining the New York Yankees, a team he had previously ruled out.
“Sometimes one says things. It is not that I am trying to take back what I said about the Yankees,” Guerrero told Virus Deportivo, as reported by ESPN on June 25.
Guerrero had famously stated in 2022 that he would “never sign with the Yankees — not even dead.” He reiterated this sentiment in 2023, citing family reasons in an interview with the New York Post.
Despite a recent win against the Giants, the Blue Jays have faced a challenging season marred by a poor win-loss record, controversies including a lengthy suspension for a debutante, and viral incidents both on and off the field.
