Potential SF Giants shortstop target could be available in the winter

Both Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette of the Toronto Blue Jays looked to be potential trade targets for the SF Giants before the deadline. Toronto was not too keen on moving either player, but at least one could be available in the winter.

Potential SF Giants shortstop target could be available in the winter

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that Bichette has no plans to stay with the Blue Jays once his contract expires at the end of the 2025 season. The club is expected to entertain trade offers in the winter with the hopes of maximizing his remaining value before he hits free agency.

If you are wondering about Guerrero Jr., Nightengale states that the Blue Jays will look to extend the power-hitting first baseman before he reaches free agency after the 2025 season.

If the Blue Jays decide to move Bichette, they will likely be selling low on the two-time All-Star. He is in the midst of an extremely disappointing season. The right-handed bat is slashing .222/.275/.320 (69 wRC+) with four home runs, 30 RBI, and 29 runs in 331 plate appearances.

This is in stark contrast to the 120 wRC+ he has posted across six major league seasons. Plus, his power numbers have dipped sharply. He recorded three straight 20-homer seasons before this year, but will likely not reach double digits in 2024. These are concerning trends.

That said, the 26-year-old infielder is still a reliable glove at a premium position, so he still brings some value to the table.

Of course, the narrative surrounding the Giants at shortstop has shifted in the past couple of months. Tyler Fitzgerald has been on a tear at the plate since July and earned some nice recognition in the process.

The Giants rookie has posted a .986 OPS with 14 home runs in 208 plate appearances this season Plus, he has swiped 14 bases in 17 opportunities on a team that does not have a lot of speed. That type of power-speed combination holds a lot of value for teams.

So, while the Giants were a potential landing spot for Bichette before the trade deadline, they are likely no longer in the market for a shortstop. If Fitzgerald continues to produce anywhere near how he has thus far, he will etch his name into the team's plans for the foreseeable future.