Blue Jays Infield: Guerrero Jr. at first, Biggio at second, Bichette at third, Simmons at short
This is a little shot out of the dark, but it is not completely unreasonable to think Bichette can learn third base. MLB Trade Rumors thinks:
"Signing Simmons would indirectly fix the Jays’ need at third base, since Bichette or Cavan Biggio could play the hot corner while the other plays second base."
Bo Bichette is an incredible athlete and probably could even become an outfielder if he wanted. In the minor leagues, he has only played short or second base so it would be something new for him. It might be worth a shot for the Blue Jays to get him reps at third base in spring training and see if it works. It would not be the end of the world because they do have versatile infielders that can adjust accordingly, as shown during this entire article.
This is a breakdown of his errors at shortstop in the MLB:
- 2019: 7 errors (42 games)
- 5 fielding errors
- 2 throwing errors
- 2020: 3 errors (26 games)
- 2 fielding errors
- 1 throwing error
Based on this quick analysis, Bichette may be rushing himself when fielding the ball. Shortstop is a more difficult position to play than third base, so it might relax Bichette a bit (same with playing second base). The hardest part about learning third base is the reactionary nature of it. Playing corner infield positions is a completely different monster. Middle infielders have more time to read the hop, field the short hop smoothly in motion and make a throw. Third base does whatever it takes to get the ball and then make a throw across.
I think Bo Bichette playing third base is the least likely outcome of an Andrelton Simmons signing but it is not out of the picture. First base would then be filled by Guerrero Jr., and Biggio would play his natural infield position. Regardless of all the different scenarios I outlined with the arrival of a player like Simmons, the Blue Jays would be strong in the infield.
Their young core group of players will still play every day but some would just need to adjust before the season starts. For all of this to happen, the Toronto Blue Jays need to get a shortstop first which they seem keen on. Toronto said they would add starting pitching and they already did that earlier this week by bringing back Robbie Ray.