MLB writer links Padres to two-time All-Star infielder on the market

Free agency opened on Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. PST, and rumors are already starting to make wind surrounding the San Diego Padres, who are expected to have a very busy offseason.

So far, Luis Arráez, Ryan O’Hearn, Dylan Cease, Robert Suárez, and Michael King are all starters set to hit the open market. This will be one of the most hectic offseasons of A.J. Preller’s tenure as president of baseball operations.

With the entire right side of the infield opening up, the Padres need to make moves in order to patch these holes. One MLB writer for Bleacher Report linked San Diego to one of the top free-agent infielders available, set to earn a contract worth more than $200 million.

Padres linked to Bo Bichette as Blue Jays explore infield future

Shortstop has been Bichette’s primary position throughout his MLB career, but he has experience at second base from his time coming up through the minors.

What we’re saying is: keep Bogaerts at shortstop for defensive purposes, move Cronenworth to first (or trade him), and plug in Bichette at second.

Bichette missed the divisional series against the Yankees, as well as the conference championship against the Mariners. However, he was active for the World Series, and to say he made an impact is an understatement, as he slashed .348/.444/.478 with six RBIs in the seven-game thriller. 

Bichette put up these numbers while playing through a knee injury that sidelined him for more than a month.

The Padres have Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, and Jackson Merrill under contract together through 2033; why not do the same for Bichette and ink him to an eight-year deal?

This team is way too talented to have its window closed like this, it is up to Preller and the front office to keep it open. One way to do that is by signing one of the best bats on the market.