The Detroit Tigers are entering one of their most uncertain offseasons in recent memory. With ace Tarik Skubal at the center of trade rumors following a dominant postseason run, the franchise faces a pivotal decision: double down and build around him, or trade him and reset for the future.
If Detroit decides to compete, ESPN’s Jeff Passan believes there’s one move that could completely change the team’s trajectory — signing Toronto Blue Jays All-Star in free agency.
“As good as Detroit’s farm system is,” Passan wrote, “adding a long-term, middle-of-the-order, impact bat is never a bad idea. There happens to be one who can spend a year or two at shortstop if necessary and then pivot to second base long term. Sign free agent infielder Bo Bichette.”
It’s a bold idea — but one that makes perfect sense. Detroit’s pitching, anchored by Skubal, carried the team through much of 2025. The offense, however, lagged far behind. The shortstop position was a particular weak spot: Trey Sweeney hit just .196 with a .548 OPS, and Javier Báez struggled in a reduced utility role down the stretch.
Adding a player of Bichette’s caliber would immediately transform the Tigers’ lineup. Even if he eventually slides over to second base once prospects like Kevin McGonigle are ready, his bat would provide a stabilizing force in the middle of the order.
Bichette, 27, is coming off another excellent season with Toronto — slashing .311/.354/.486 with an .840 OPS across 139 games. After missing the ALDS and ALCS, he returned for the World Series and delivered a .923 OPS, reinforcing his reputation as a big-game performer.
Detroit already has an exciting crop of young talent ready to emerge, but their biggest need remains consistent production up the middle. With Gleyber Torres also hitting free agency, Bichette represents the kind of proven, prime-age addition that could elevate the Tigers from fringe contender to legitimate playoff threat.
It wouldn’t be cheap — and it might be out of character for the typically conservative front office — but as Passan put it, signing Bo Bichette would be the “perfect” move to kickstart Detroit’s next chapter.