As Boston Red Sox fans await the outcome of Alex Bregman’s free agency, they’ve all noticed the reports about whom Boston might pivot to if Bregman signs with another team like the Detroit Tigers.
One name that keeps popping up in connection to the Red Sox is 27-year-old All-Star infielder Bo Bichette.
Bichette is undeniably an elite hitter, and his defensive shortcomings at shortstop can be mitigated by shifting him over to second base or even third. If the Red Sox were to sign Bichette in a post-Bregman situation, they’d presumably play Bo at one of those two positions, with Marcelo Mayer playing the other, and Trevor Story continuing to hold things down at short.
On Friday, Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly was the latest writer to suggest that Bichette could be the Red Sox’s third baseman in 2026.
“The Red Sox could consider Bichette as an alternative at the hot corner to Bregman. While he likely will get a larger deal, he’s four years younger,” Kelly wrote.
Story continues below advertisement
Bichette has plenty of suitors. ESPN’s Paul Hembekides recently noted that Bichette would be a “perfect Yankee.”
Kelly also envisioned Bichette in Atlanta. “The Atlanta Braves have already made two big moves in their bullpen, re-signing Raisel Iglesias and luring Robert Suarez away from the San Diego Padres,” he wrote. “But they do have a hole at shortstop right now, and while they could re-sign Ha-Seong Kim, Bichette obviously would represent a major offensive upgrade.”
Story continues below advertisement
In the end, though, Kelly predicted that Bichette will wind up back in Toronto on a seven-year, $210 million deal — ironically, the same years and dollar figure that the Jays just gave starting pitcher Dylan Cease.
Notably, Kelly did say that Toronto won’t reunite with Bichette if they sign Kyle Tucker first.
“A return to Toronto has always seemed to be the best outcome for Bo Bichette, given that there’s unfinished business,” Kelly wrote. “Things don’t always play out that way, though, and if the Blue Jays sign Tucker—after already committing $200+ million to Cease—they almost certainly aren’t going to re-sign Bichette.”
Story continues below advertisement
Teams interested in Bichette — and perhaps the Red Sox are one of them — will definitely be monitoring the Tucker-Toronto situation.
Bichette is in the prime of his career. He hit 311/ .357/ .483/ .840 in 2025 with 18 home runs, 94 RBI, 40 walks, and 3.8 WAR. Who wouldn’t want to add that kind of bat to their lineup?
Featured image via John E. Sokolowski/Imagn Images
