Bo Bichette Signing Creates Perfect Trade Fit For Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox missed out on Bo Bichette, but his signing could yield a new trade partner.

Bichette reportedly signed a three-year, $126 million deal with the New York Mets on Friday. The shortstop, who likely would have moved from shortstop to second base if he joined Boston, is instead expected to play third base in Queens.

New York’s unexpected addition creates a surplus that aligns perfectly with Boston’s needs. The Mets now have spare infielders to shop for pitching or outfielders, the Red Sox’s biggest roster strengths.

Bichette claiming third base could displace Brett Baty, as the recently acquired Marcus Semien fills another landing spot at second base. The 26-year-old spent last season playing the two infield positions Boston could target after losing Alex Bregman to the Chicago Cubs.

Baty would make an intriguing acquisition after a quiet breakthrough year. Written off following a middling start to his career, the left-handed hitter batted .254/.313/.435 with 18 home runs and a 2.3 fWAR in 130 games.

The former first-round pick improved down the stretch, batting .291/.353/.477 after the All-Star break. Baty ended the 2025 season with the same weighted runs created plus as Jarren Duran, who’s third in the category behind Roman Anthony and platoon specialist Romy Gonzalez among returning Red Sox position players.

Boston’s outfield and pitching depth could entice New York to move Baty. If the Mets remain determined to find playing time for him, the Red Sox could redirect their attention to a power source.

Mark Vientos seemed slated to serve as New York’s designated hitter or first baseman alongside free-agent signing Jorge Polanco, but the Mets could dangle him instead and give Baty that role. While Vientos fell out of favor by batting .233/.289/.413 last season, the third baseman isn’t far removed from belting 27 home runs with an .837 OPS in 2024.