What’s Next For Red Sox After Bo Bichette Chooses Mets?

The New York Mets reportedly agreed to a deal with Bo Bichette on Friday, a player who the Red Sox were reportedly targeting after Alex Bregman signed with the Chicago Cubs.

Almost immediately after Bregman agreed to sign with the Cubs, reports came out of the Red Sox planning to aggressively pursue Bichette. The Red Sox turned around to agree to a five-year, $130 million deal with Ranger Suárez. Suárez helped the rotation, but the Red Sox were still suitors for Bichette, given Craig Breslow’s desire to add to the offense.

In reality, Bichette became a long shot for the Red Sox after they spent big on Suárez. However, now that he is completely out of the question, what will the Red Sox do to add an impact bat?

Well, the biggest remaining bat on the market is Cody Bellinger. However, he is not a great fit for the Red Sox, given their already crowded outfield. He may have been an option at first base if the Red Sox had not already added Willson Contreras.

Positional fit will be key for the Red Sox if they sign another bat. If they signed Bichette, he was going to have to play second or third base, with Marcelo Mayer likely occupying the other spot. However, Boston may be wary of a long-term deal for an infielder.

Money obviously plays a role in that, but perhaps their investment in Kristain Campbell does as well. Boston signed him to an eight-year, $60 million extension last year. He struggled after a strong start and was sent down to Triple-A. While he is still working to fix some issues, he figures to be a big part of their future, like Mayer.

Boston likely expects Campbell back in the big leagues soon, and they are also likely looking to extend Mayer, who was part of the Red Sox “big three” with Roman Anthony and Campbell coming up through the organization.

Mayer and Campbell are under control for years to come, and adding an infielder on a long-term deal could push one of them out of the picture. With Campbell already extended, that player might be Mayer, who may be the better player of the two. Given all of that, the Red Sox’s best option is likely an infield bat who is willing to sign a shorter deal.

Eugemnio Suárez seems like the best fit. Signing him would allow Mayer and Campbell to share second base when Campbell is ready. Suárez be the regular third baseman, and when his contract is up, Mayer could take over there.