By: Brian Frank
Bo Bichette's 2024 season did not live up to his own lofty standards. The two-time American League hits leader's numbers suffered in large part because of a nagging calf injury throughout the summer. A fractured middle finger ended up shutting his season down in September.
“It was a tough season,” Bichette told The Herd Chronicles from Blue Jays spring training in Dunedin, Florida. “Not a lot of things went right, but now I’m just looking forward to this one.”
Bichette is a two-time A.L. hits leader. Photo Credit: Brian Frank, The Herd Chronicles
Things will look a little different in the middle of the Blue Jays infield this season with the offseason acquisition of three-time Gold Glove second baseman Andrés Giménez from the Cleveland Guardians. Bichette knows Giménez well, having played against him in both the big leagues and coming up through the minor leagues.
“As an opponent, he was one of my favorite players to watch, obviously as a defender, but I think he can really hit too,” Bichette said. “So, I’m excited to play with him.”
This is a big season for the 26-year-old Florida native, as Bichette is eligible to hit the free agent market at the end of the season.
“This is an opportunity that we all hope to get to as a ballplayer,” he said when asked if he’s motivated by being in a contract year. “I would be motivated either way, but I’m excited to get out there and see what I can do this year.”
Bichette with Andrés Giménez. Photo Credit: Brian Frank, The Herd Chronicles
Bichette is clearly motivated to get back to the level he was at prior to his injury plagued 2024 campaign. The two-time All-Star slashed .299/.340/.487 over his first five big-league seasons and established himself as one of baseball’s premiere shortstops.
“I want to be the best player in the world,” Bichette said when asked what motivates him. “That boils down to being the best player that I can be with my skillset. So, just looking for opportunities to be better every day, in every facet. I think the best way to accomplish that is learning how to win. Showing up to the field every day and figuring out how to win and I look forward to just becoming a better winner.”
Taking infield in Dunedin. Photo Credit: Brian Frank, The Herd Chronicles
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