Blue Jays: Bo Bichette reminding us of the impact he can make

Bo Bichette has had a bit of a down year and has faced some criticism from the Blue Jays fan base as a result, but he’s finding his groove at the right time.

If there was a player of the game in last night’s 4-1 win over the Pirates it would have to be Bichette, who went 2-4 with three RBI and a run scored. He also made a highlight reel play on defence as he ranged for a ball to his right while playing in the shift, throwing the ball to first as he was falling toward left field. That said, the highlight of the night had to be his three-run double in the 7th inning that came on an 11 pitch at-bat.

While I can absolutely understand why Bichette has faced some criticism from Jays fans this year, I have to admit that it’s frustrated me at times. His free-swinging ways get me riled up from time to time as well, but I’m always amazing at how quickly some fans on social media are ready to give up on such a talented young player.

Still just 24 years old, Bichette has played roughly 2.5 seasons of big league baseball, even if he debuted back in 2019. Part of the reason that fans have been so frustrated with him this year is because he set the bar so ridiculously high as he broke into the league, so seeing him come back to earth in 2022 hasn’t been easy to watch. That said, he appears to be finding his groove at the right time, which could be huge as the Blue Jays pursue a playoff spot.

His slash line is up to .265/.309/.432 with 18 home runs, 34 doubles, and 71 RBI, which from most other players would be pretty solid production. Bichette already has a career-high in doubles, and has time to add on to the total as well. He hasn’t been the same stolen base threat as he was over his first few seasons, but he still has 9 swipes on the year.

What’s really encouraging is that Bichette is starting to produce like the player that led the American League in hits last year. Over his last 15 games he’s slashed .300/.364/.450, and he’s only struck out twice over his last seven games. In fact, Bichette is currently his longest streak of the season without striking out, which is a very positive development for a hitter that has fanned 135 times in 129 games.

There’s been a noticeable difference in Bichette lately, and one that even his former skipper has noticed. John Gibbons has been a very entertaining follow as he’s joined Twitter recently, and he has some encouraging words for the 2021 All-Star, and for Bichette’s doubters as well.

The Blue Jays certainly have the talent on their roster in order to make an impact on this year’s postseason, they just need to see their stars performing up to their potential. Bichette might be the poster boy for that idea, but thankfully lately he’s looking as confident as we’ve seen him all year. If he can be that guy, the Blue Jays are a much different team.