Boston Red Sox pivot back to free agent Bo Bichette after losing Alex Bregman
Photo credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
With Alex Bregman out, the Boston Red Sox have their sights set on former Toronto Blue Jays Shortstop Bo Bichette.
In a somewhat shocking turn of events, the Red Sox had to watch Alex Bregman sign with the Cubs on Saturday night.
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.
With that in mind, chief baseball officer Craig Breslow will have to be quite aggressive to find a suitable replacement in free agency.
According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Red Sox have already pivoted back to Bo Bichette.
"The Boston Red Sox will now turn their sights to Bo Bichette.
Bichette's market heating up after Bregman signs long-term deal with Cubs
The report isn't surprising. Bichette already met with the Red Sox back on December 9, and is the second-biggest name in free agency behind Kyle Tucker.
With Bichette's upcoming second meeting with Philadelphia on Monday, it appears his market is starting to ramp up because the Phillies are not reluctant to spend.
Bichette is reportedly looking for a long-term deal worth in the ballpark of $300 million, so a bidding war may start between three AL East rivals, plus the Phillies and Dodgers.
Alex Bregman surprisingly signing with the Cubs is bad news for the Blue Jays. As is Cody Bellinger potentially signing with the Mets. It turns the Red Sox and Yankees into players for Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker.
A return to the Blue Jays isn't completely off the table, however it also seems unlikely with Toronto's signing of Kazuma Okamoto and vigorous pursuit of Kyle Tucker.
Also read on Blue Jays Central :
Toronto Blue Jays release switch-hitting infielder acquired following World Series
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 11 | 115 ANSWERS Boston Red Sox pivot back to free agent Bo Bichette after losing Alex Bregman Who will sign free agent Bo Bichette? | ||
| Boston Red Sox | 10 | 8.7 % |
| Philadelphia Phillies | 57 | 49.6 % |
| Toronto Blue Jays | 40 | 34.8 % |
| Other | 8 | 7 % |
| List of polls | ||