Bo Bichette's return for World Series vs Dodgers feels like square peg in round hole

Are the Toronto Blue Jays sufficiently weighing the cost of bringing back Bo Bichette for the World Series? Immediately following Toronto's epic win in the ALCS, debates about Bichette's role against the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers emerged when Bichette told reporters that he would be ready to go (i.e. healthy) for the Fall Classic. Suddenly, John Schneider had a difficult decision on his plate.

It's not Bichette's talent that is up for debate. The two-time All-Star and two-time American League hit leader certainly has the capacity to improve Toronto's lineup. It's the timing of everything that creates a hairy situation. With Andrés Giménez thriving at shortstop for Schneider, Bichette has been reportedly taking second base reps to prepare for the World Series.

But wait ... Bichette has never played second base in his MLB career. Do the Blue Jays really want to interrupt their momentum and stick Bichette at a new position right now?

Blue Jays' Bo Bichette decision isn't getting any easier, but John Schneider should rock with what's working

Anyone driven solely by numbers would throw Bichette into the World Series Game 1 lineup without a second tought. Bichette hit .311 with 18 home runs and 94 RBI this year in 139 games. That is statistical evidence to suggest that Toronto's lineup must feature Bichette if he is healthy, especially against a dominant Dodgers rotation.

But managing a baseball team isn't just about obeying numbers. Anyone could do that. Schneider has gotten this far by exercising nuance and trusting his gut when it comes to his decisions, and if he listens to his inner voice, it's probably telling him right now that inserting Bichette into the lineup after more than a month off -- at a new position, no less -- has a lot of potential to mess with Toronto's chemistry and momentum, which has been nothing short of magical lately.

There are also logistical questions to consider. If Bichette's in the lineup, who do you subtract? You're certainly not replacing George Springer at DH. You absolutely don't want to interrupt the good flow that Addison Barger is experiencing (two homers in the postseason). Moreover, removing Ernie Clement and his .429 average thus far in the 2025 playoffs would be managerial malpractice of the highest degree.

The Bichette conundrum for Toronto can be solved by finding some middle ground. Don't start Bichette and interrupt the magic, but keep him close at hand for pinch-hitting situations, or view him as a potential X-factor if someone gets injured.

Schneider needs to exercise restraint, trust his gut, and follow the ultimate rule of postseason baseball: the hottest team wins. Throwing Bichette into the World Series at second base seems destined to cool off a Blue Jays team that is currently on an all-time heater.