Red Sox Reportedly Now Targeting This Star After Alex Bregman Exit
The Red Sox watched Alex Bregman sign with the Cubs on Saturday night. So, what’s next?
Bregman stunned the baseball world by reportedly signing a five-year, $175 million deal with Chicago. The contract includes a full no-trade clause and zero opt-outs.
Shortly after news of the Bregman signing broke, Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY offered insight into how the Red Sox could replace the star third baseman.
“The Boston Red Sox will now turn their sights to Bo Bichette,” Nightengale wrote on X.
The report isn’t surprising. Bichette has been connected to Boston since the start of the offseason and arguably is the best hitter left in free agency, although you could argue for outfielder Kyle Tucker.
Bichette reportedly is seeking a $300 million deal, so it’s fair to wonder whether the Red Sox would pay that price. It’s also fair to wonder how he’d fit into Boston’s infield picture.
Trevor Story is locked into shortstop or second base, with Wilson Contreras and/or Triston Casas handling first base. Marcelo Mayer might not be ready to be an everyday player, but he seemingly will enter spring training with every opportunity to win a starting job at third, short or second.
If he does, there will be one spot up for grabs, but what if it’s at second or third, positions Bichette hasn’t played in the big leagues?
What if Kristian Campbell shows out during spring training and re-inserts himself into the conversation at second base? It’s a long shot, but we’re just a year removed from him being a top-five prospect in all of baseball.
Ultimately, those things will sort themselves out if the Red Sox sign someone like Bichette. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
In seven seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, Bichette hit .294 with 111 homers and an .806 OPS while making two All-Star teams. The 27-year-old has played only shortstop since debuting in 2019.