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By Shaun McAvoy
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Los Angeles Dodgers are champions once again, becoming the first team to win the World Series back-to-back in 25 years after defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in seven games.
The Dodgers proved that they were the best team in baseball, but that doesn't mean they won't be aggressive in free agency again this offseason. Despite winning it all last year, Los Angeles still went out and signed players, including Blake Snell and Rōki Sasaki, who were key contributors in the team's World Series run.
Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller listed the Dodgers as one of the top landing spots for Blue Jays All-Star shortstop Bo Bichette this offseason, suggesting that he could switch positions and play second base.
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"What's unique about the shortstop market, however, is that most teams -- including the vast majority of those who have actually signed a $100 million free agent in the past -- already have a long-term plan in place," Miller wrote Monday. "Because of that and his considerably less-than-elite defense at SS, there's a good chance Bichette gets asked to move to either 2B or DH on a new deal. Much like San Diego's situation, it's likely Bichette would be the one changing positions if he signs with Los Angeles.
"Then again, Betts is 33 now and still under contract for another seven seasons. The Dodgers might want Bichette at shortstop to reduce the wear and tear on Betts, who already had a 44-game stretch this season with an extremely un-Betts-like .489 OPS. Were this any other franchise, we'd have to ask how they can afford it, considering they're already looking at a 2026 payroll where the 14 known salaries total more than $240 million. But it's the Dodgers."
Bichette, 27, is a two-time All-Star who slashed .311/.357/.483 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs while only playing in 139 games. Though the Dodgers boast the highest payroll in the league, they have shown that they aren't afraid to double down to improve their team. It will be interesting to see if Bichette will be willing to change positions for next season, especially to go to the team that he just lost to in the World Series.
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