MLB trade rumors: New York Yankees could be best landing spot for $33.6 million Toronto Blue Jays star; best Anthony Volpe replacement?

MLB trade rumors have reached full boil this offseason, and the New York Yankees are now widely viewed as the leading contender to acquire Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette.

With Anthony Volpe struggling to lock down the position offensively, New York is exploring a franchise-shifting move for a two-time All-Star who just authored one of the defining moments of the 2025 postseason.Bo Bichette, who hit .311 with 181 hits during the 2025 regular season, capped his year with a three-run homer in Game 7 of the World Series, cementing his status as one of baseball’s premier contact hitters.

With free agency looming and his market value projected near $189 million, the Yankees see a narrow window to strike via trade and avoid a full-scale bidding war next winter.For New York, the appeal is obvious: an immediate, proven upgrade at shortstop who lengthens the lineup behind Aaron Judge and raises the team’s postseason ceiling.

Why the New York Yankees are pushing now

The New York Yankees’ urgency stems from a mix of competitive pressure and roster uncertainty.

Anthony Volpe, still just 24, has flashed power and elite defense but continues to battle inconsistency at the plate. Meanwhile, the AL East arms race has left little margin for patience.Bo Bichette’s skill set fits cleanly into the Bronx. He combines elite bat-to-ball ability with gap power that would play up in Yankee Stadium, and his postseason résumé only strengthens his case as a player built for the spotlight.

Internally, there is confidence he could handle New York’s pressure and even slide to second base if roster flexibility demanded it, thanks to his strong history at the position.Covering his $33.6 million salary through 2025 would not deter the Yankees, especially if it allows them to secure exclusive negotiating rights before free agency.

Trade mechanics: how a deal could come together

Any deal between division rivals would be complex and politically sensitive, but the framework is taking shape.

The most discussed structure centers on a swap involving Volpe, supplemented by prospects, cash, or both.Toronto’s motivation is twofold: avoiding the risk of losing Bo Bichette for less than full value and retooling with younger, cost-controlled talent. Volpe’s age, defensive reputation, and past Gold Glove credentials make him an intriguing return piece, even if his bat needs refinement.

Potential elements in a Yankees–Blue Jays trade include:

• Anthony Volpe as the centerpiece, offering Toronto a long-term shortstop option • Additional prospects or international bonus flexibility • Financial relief to offset Bichette’s remaining salary • Alternative constructions involving Jazz Chisholm Jr., depending on Toronto’s roster prioritiesThis approach allows New York to bypass free agency while giving Toronto a viable reset without a full teardown.

2025 performance snapshot: Bichette vs. Volpe

The contrast is stark. Bichette’s 48.8 percent hard-hit rate and elite contact profile stand in sharp opposition to Volpe’s 25.1 percent whiff rate. For a Yankees lineup that too often leaned on Judge for offense, the difference is significant.

What each side gains from the deal

From New York Yankees’ perspective, the move would stabilize a premium position overnight and add a hitter who thrives in high-leverage moments. It also delivers the added bonus of weakening a divisional rival.Toronto, on the other hand, gains flexibility. Volpe’s youth, speed, and defensive value give the Blue Jays a controllable building block at a fraction of Bichette’s projected free-agent cost. His 28 stolen bases in 2024 and strong glove make him a player the organization could either develop or later flip in a separate move.For Bo Bichette himself, the trade offers a stage commensurate with his profile. Sources close to the situation suggest he would embrace the challenge, confident in his ability to perform under New York’s constant scrutiny.

Risks and red flags to consider

No blockbuster comes without downside. Bichette has dealt with calf and knee issues across the 2024 and 2025 seasons, raising durability questions as he approaches his next contract. The financial commitment, whether through trade or an eventual extension, would likely push beyond $190 million.There is also the inherent difficulty of negotiating within the AL East. Toronto would be loath to empower a direct rival, and New York must weigh whether surrendering Volpe’s defense and speed creates secondary roster gaps.If completed, a Bo Bichette trade would represent a decisive win-now move by the Yankees. It transforms shortstop from a developmental question mark into an All-MLB caliber strength and reshapes the balance of power in the division. For Toronto, it is a calculated pivot that trades star power for sustainability.Also read: MLB trade rumors: Baltimore Orioles could chase $7.75 million San Diego Padres pitcher afer blockbuster Pete Alonso dealWhether the rivalry politics allow it to happen remains the final obstacle, but the framework, motivation, and timing are all firmly in place.