The Toronto Blue Jays went to the World Series this year, but one of their best players, Bo Bichette, is a free agent and figures to draw interest from plenty of teams.
Bichette is the best shortstop on the open market, but his market should extend beyond teams that need a shortstop. Already a strong defender at the position, a move to third base or second base is not out of the question for the two-time All-Star.
According to The Athletic’s Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal, the Boston Red Sox are one of the teams considering Bo Bichette. Some in the organization, according to the report, consider him an “intriguing alternative” to Alex Bregman. The Red Sox have a surplus of infielders, so the Red Sox’s interest is somewhat of a shock, even in a world where they lose Alex Bregman.
The Red Sox expect Trevor Story to be the shortstop again next season. If Bregman leaves, Marcelo Mayer would figure to play third base again. That leaves second base for Bichette. There’s no doubt that he would be an upgrade over their current options at second base, but it would put the team in a tough spot with Kristian Campbell.
Campbell has already signed an extension with the Red Sox, so if they add Bichette, what would they do with Campbell? He was sent to Triple-A after a strong start followed by offensive woes. However, he took reps at first base and could be an option there.
However, that would mean the Red Sox need to find a spot for Triston Casas. Ultimately, if the Red Sox lose Bregman, not adding an infielder may be the cleanest option. However, Campbell and Casas would both be easy to upgrade over, but doing so would force the Red Sox to essentially move on from them.
The Red Sox’s interest in Bichette is certainly interesting. However, at its core, it is simply the Red Sox looking at all ways to add an impact bat. The Blue Jays have already spent big this winter and are reportedly pursuing Kyle Tucker. Bichette may not be in the budget when it’s all said and done, and the Red Sox could steal him.
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