Bo Bichette has played 75 total MLB games across his first two seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays -- 68 at shortstop and the remaining seven as a designated hitter.
The 22-year-old has made positive strides on the defensive side of the ball in recent years – despite registering a pair of errors in the playoffs in September – and he said he aims to continue making improvements heading into 2021.
“Obviously the way that it ended defensively this year doesn’t sit well, so that’s something that I’ll definitely attack this (off-season),” Bichette said Thursday during an appearance on Good Show.
Bichette was asked if the Blue Jays were to sign another shortstop, hypothetically, how comfortable would he be working in a platoon or potentially switching positions?
“I would say that I’ve worked really hard at that position and it would be definitely disappointing if I had to move off, but at the same time if there was someone that’s a huge upgrade and could help us win a championship it’s something I wouldn’t get in the way of,” Bichette explained. “I would definitely like to play the same position every day – I don’t think a platoon situation would be great – but I think that any way to make the team better I’m definitely open to.”
Bichette slashed .301/.328/.512 with five home runs and 23 RBIs in 2020 and in 217 innings at shortstop had 34 putouts, 66 assists, a .971 fielding percentage and three errors.
The Blue Jays finished the COVID-shortened campaign 32-28 and, to the surprise of many, qualified for the playoffs.
“I think we accomplished something really great,” Bichette added while giving his thoughts on a unique season. “I think that we were in the best division in baseball and had the toughest schedule in baseball, the teams in the East. And then to go along with that to quarantine in the Rogers Centre for a month, didn’t go outside at all during that time and we were the only team that had to deal with that. To kind of overcome all that, going to Buffalo, everything. We overcame so much and still put a really good record out there and got to experience playoffs.
“Being able to accomplish success in those tough times is something that’ll be helpful for us in the future.”
