Red Sox Should Sign Rival Infielder Despite Positional Fit

The Boston Red Sox have not made any big offensive additions to their team this winter, but they could benefit from signing Bo Bichette.

According to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo on Dec. 12, the Red Sox are interested in signing Bichette, but he may not be the best positional fit. With the Red Sox still pursuing Bregman and already having Marcelo Mayer, Trevor Story and Kristian Campbell, the infield is crowded. However, Bichette would be a great fit, regardless of positional fit.

The Red Sox are unlikely to move Trevor Story off shortstop, but signing Bichette would mean he will be an everyday player. Campbell could start the year in Triple-A anyway, but Mayer would need a spot to play. Alex Cora could get creative with the designated hitter spot to get Mayer in the lineup.

Bichette is an elite hitter. He has led the American League in hits twice in his career and was on pace to lead all of baseball in hits last season before an injury in the final month of the season. He is a two-time All-Star and would be a phenomenal fit at Fenway Park.

Bichette does not strike out frequently and uses all fields effectively. However, he and the pesky pole could be a great pairing. Bichette, a right-handed hitter, hits 22.7% of his batted balls in the air to the opposite field.

It’s not an exact science, but his profile as a hitter could lead to an increase in his home run numbers if he played half of his games at Fenway Park. Additionally, even if he does not see a significant increase in home runs, his bat would still be valuable to the team.

Last season, he slashed .311/.357/.483 in 139 games. His defense is not great, but the Red Sox would not need him to play shortstop. He could slide over to second base, perhaps masking his only flaw.

The problems he would create by limiting playing time for Mayer and Campbell would be worth it. Cora could still find creative ways to get them in the game, but Bichette’s bat is too good to pass up if the Red Sox have an opportunity to sign him.