Toronto Blue Jays still the most attractive destination for free agent Bo Bichette

Bichette is one of the most attractive free agents on the market as a bat-first shortstop with multiple All-Star appearances under his belt who will only be 28 years old next year.

But he's not gotten much attention in the rumor mill this winter as players like Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger who've absorbed most of the offseason attention.

Possibly that lack of buzz has been due to a widespread assumption that Bichette, who has long spoken about his desire to stay in Toronto for his entire career, was sure to remain with the Blue Jays going forward.

That's an illusion that's been shattered by the Blue Jays' addition of Kazuma Okamoto and their reportedly increased aggression in the market for Kyle Tucker.

While much of the discourse surrounding alternative suitors for Bichette is due to the seemingly closing window for him to return to Toronto, that doesn't mean the Blue Jays are completely out of the running.

Bichette's affection for the only team he's known since being drafted in the second round back in 2016 has been widely reported for years now, and his close connection with fellow star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. surely makes a return to Toronto the most attractive option from his own perspective.

While Tucker is a more straightforward fit for the team's needs after signing Okamoto, Bichette would still certainly be an extremely viable alternative if the bidding for the star outfielder gets outside of the Jays' comfort zone.

Placing Bichette at second base and either moving Ernie Clement into a bench role or having Okamoto split time between first base, third base, DH, and the outfield corners in order to create playing time for Clement could certainly be a viable option.

Ernie Clement had been at the head of the depth chart at that position, but he may now shift over to second base, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Andres Gimenez locking down first base and shortstop, respectively.

MLB Network insider Jon Heyman writes in the New York Post (subscription required) that the Yankees, Cubs and Dodgers are all in the mix for Bichette.

Heyman adds that the Yanks and Cubs are fielding trade inquiries for their respective second basemen, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Nico Hoerner.

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported last month that Bichette has told teams he is willing to move from shortstop to second base, so a trade involving either one of those aforementioned players could open a spot for Bichette.

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