Yankees Predicted To Land Bo Bichette Amid Red Sox Interest

The Boston Red Sox are reportedly still interested in signing Bo Bichette, among other star free agents.

Bichette is a two-time All-Star and one of the best hitters in the league. He has led the American League in hits twice and was leading all of baseball in hits before a knee injury in the final month of the regular season. He is expected to have plenty of suitors, and Just Baseball’s Ethan Hyatt predicted he would sign with the New York Yankees.

The Yankees stuck by Anthony Volpe all season despite continued offensive struggles and subpar defense. Volpe is a Gold Glover, but last season, his defense took a dive, making it harder to justify sticking by him. Replacing him with Bichette would be a major upgrade offensively.

However, Bichette is one of the worst defensive shortstops in baseball. Considering how bad Volpe was at times with the glove last season, the Yankees may be willing to deal with it. They could also shuffle their infield to get Bichette at second base and change Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s position to shortstop.

Chisholm has already changed positions once for the Yankees, when they needed him at third base, something he had no experience doing at the time. Chisholm is a free agent after next season, so if the Yankees sign Bichette to play second base, they could be fine if Chisholm walks.

Bichette would be a great addition to any contender, so it’s no surprise the Red Sox want him. Not landing him would sting, but seeing him sign with the Yankees would hurt even more.

Additionally, Bichette could have a great season in terms of power. He hit 18 home runs last season, but Yankee Stadium is one of the best ballparks to hit home runs in for right-handed hitters.

Additionally, 34.7% of Bichette’s batted balls go to the opposite field, and 22% of his batted balls are hit in the air to the opposite field. He could benefit greatly from the short porch in right field.