The Toronto Blue Jays know a hometown discount won’t work to keep Bo Bichette with the organization despite finishing just one game short of winning the World Series.
It’s going to take a competitive offer to land the veteran shortstop, and his ability to play second and third base is likely to inflate his market even more. Many teams are expected to be pursuing Bichette, but the bidding war hasn’t started yet as of Wednesday morning.
Bichette does have options to choose from, and some of them are within the American League East. Former general manager Jim Bowden believes the best match for Bichette is the Boston Red Sox.
“Bichette is only 27 and can play second base, shortstop or third base,” Bowden wrote for The Athletic. “He’s led the AL in hits twice already and is a really focused, hard-working player who would become an instant fan favorite in Boston. Fenway Park’s unusual dimensions — with the Green Monster in left and the short porch in right — would benefit Bichette, who uses the whole field well. The Red Sox could make him their everyday third or second baseman.”
Bichette may get some shortstop reps in Boston, but that job is locked down by Trevor Story. However, he would provide strong defense at either of his other positions and help the Red Sox toward being a World Series contender once again.
Blue Jays fans know it would be difficult seeing Bichette leave for any of the other 29 teams in baseball, but watching him sign with a division rival would make the rivalry even stronger between those two teams.
The 27-year-old infielder makes a lot of sense for the Red Sox especially if they prefer to go with someone a little younger. That isn’t to say Alex Bregman is old per se, but Boston would be able to get a few more years out of Bichette. If the Red Sox believe in Bichette, go out and get him and shock the baseball world.
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