Bo Bichette reportedly viewed by Red Sox as ‘intriguing’ option

Alex Bregman hasn’t decided about his future but, however the Crimson Sox appear to be lining up backup plans in case he leaves Boston. One among them reportedly consists of poaching a high star from a division rival.

A number of members of the Crimson Sox’ group view Bo Bichette as an “intriguing various” in the event that they lose Bregman in free company, The Athletic‘s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon reported.

Bichette, who’ll flip 28 in March, isn’t solely one of many high hitters on the open market this offseason, however he’s additionally one of many youngest free brokers. The 2-time All-Star hit .311 with 18 house runs, 94 RBIs, and a .840 OPS this previous season, serving to him earn MVP votes for the fourth time within the final 5 years.

Whereas Bichette is among the greatest hitters for common in baseball (.292 batting common since 2021, has led the AL twice in hits), there may be some obstacles the Crimson Sox face in the event that they have been to signal him. He’s solely performed shortstop with the Blue Jays, and the Crimson Sox have already got Trevor Story occupying the place. Marcelo Mayer has additionally been alleged to be a doable choice to play shortstop for the Crimson Sox sooner moderately than later.

However Bichette would possibly want to maneuver off shortstop, anyway. He’s extensively considered one of many worst fielders amongst infielders in baseball. He logged a minutes-13 Outs Above Common final season, which was the second-worst mark throughout the majors. So, if the Crimson Sox lose Bregman, they might theoretically transfer Bichette to second base and have Mayer grow to be their full-time third baseman.

Past Bichette’s fielding woes, the right-handed hitter’s bat won’t have as a lot pop as some hope, because the Crimson Sox appear to be on the lookout for extra energy this offseason. His house run complete has declined in every of the final 4 years (excluding his injury-shortened 2024 season), going from 29 homers in 2021 to twenty homers in 2023.

Nonetheless, signing Bichette may be the very best state of affairs for the Crimson Sox in the event that they lose Bregman this offseason. On high of being the most effective hitters for common in baseball, Bichette completed second within the American League in doubles in two of his final three seasons.

After all, signing Bichette possible gained’t come low cost. MLB Trade Rumors projected that he’ll get an eight-year, $208 million contract this offseason, whereas The Athletic predicted that Bichette will signal an eight-year, $212 million contract. Nevertheless, ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel projected that Bichette will get a smaller contract at 5 years, $130 million.

Signing Bichette would possible put the Crimson Sox into the posh tax for subsequent 12 months earlier than accounting for some other strikes. Boston’s projected payroll for 2026 at present sits at $226 million, per Crimson Sox Payroll on X, which is $18 million wanting the primary luxurious tax threshold.

Along with Bichette and Bregman, the Crimson Sox have additionally been linked to Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso. MLB Commerce Rumors, The Athletic, and ESPN every undertaking these two gamers to signal contracts price round $30 million per 12 months.