Red Sox Target Reportedly Has $300 Million Contract Demand

The Boston Red Sox are looking to add another bat to their lineup this offseason, and among their targets is Bo Bichette.

The Red Sox’s top priority is reportedly Alex Bregman, but they are talking to Bichette. He is presumably a backup plan, but according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, he will be an expensive one.

“As an ultra young free agent at 27, Bichette’s ask is thought around $300 million, which at first blush may sound high considering that’s the ballpark of even more accomplished shortstops Corey Seager, Trea Turner and Francisco Lindor, but maybe not when you consider how deals for Juan Soto and Bichette’s teammate/great friend Vlad Guerrero Jr. moved the market,” Heyman wrote on Thursday.

Bichette is one of the best hitters in baseball, and some teams may see him as a better fit than Bregman. However, the Red Sox know what Bregman brings to their clubhouse as a leader, which is likely why he is their top choice.

Bichette is a two-time All-Star at shortstop and has led the American League in hits twice in his career. He had a chance to lead all of baseball in hits last season before a knee injury in the final month of the regular season.

While he is a great hitter who uses all parts of the field well and does not strike out much, his defense is a major concern. He is one of the worst defensive shortstops in baseball, and many experts believe he will need to change positions to play second or third base.

If he truly wants $300 million, a team will have to believe he can be at least an average defender at second or third base. Without that, it will be difficult for him to get close to that number.

A $300 million deal would tie him for the fourth largest in terms of total value among shortstops. If he moves to second base, it would be the largest deal at the position. It would rank third among third basemen.