Getting you ready for the World Baseball Classic
Ever since Craig Breslow declared that one of his two priorities this offseason was to find a middle-of-the-order hitter, most eyes have turned to free agents Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso.
But according to multiple sources, another name should be added to the Red Sox's target list: Bo Bichette.
The Red Sox have shown interest in the 27-year-old free agent infielder, who would certainly fit the bill when it comes to an impactful right-handed bat that can hit in the top four spots of the Sox's batting order.
Bichette is projected by most to get a contract between 7-8 years worth upwards of $200 million. His age (he will be 28 on March 5) helps counter any hesitancy brought upon by having a qualifying offer attached.
The longtime Blue Jay has undoubtedly proven himself an impactful offensive threat, as his 2025 season demonstrated. Despite being sidelined by a knee injury in the final month of the regular season, Bichette finished last season hitting .311 with an .840 OPS and 18 home runs in 137 games. He has received Top-10 MVP moves in four of the previous five seasons.
Not only would Bichette's bat be a fit for the Red Sox, but his defensive skillset would also be a match. Many in baseball don't view him as a reliable shortstop, but there would be confidence in his abilities at both second base and third base. (He seamlessly played second base for the first time in his career during the Blue Jays' World Series matchup against the Dodgers.)
The Red Sox could make the case that Bichette's presence would be equally as impactful as Bregman at third base, or even at second, with Marcelo Mayer sliding over to third if Bregman doesn't re-sign. There is also the payoff of taking a key player away from one of the Red Sox's main American League East rivals.
Bichette has also thrived at Fenway Park for much of his career, totaling a .327 batting average and .907 OPS in 35 games.
The Bichette family does have roots in Boston Red Sox, with his parents, Dante and Mariana, meeting at the Gold's Gym on Landsdowne St.
Toronto's 2016 second-round pick also has a connection to the Red Sox's front office. The Blue Jays signed current Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow to a minor-league contract in 2018, in part so that the pitcher could work with the Blue Jays' group of perceived young stars - Bichette, Vlad Guerrero, Jr., and Cavan Biggio.
Breslow spent the majority of that '18 season with Bichette and the other Jays prospects at Double-A New Hampshire. It would be the lefty reliever's final stop as a player before entering the Cubs' front office.
Other teams connected to Bichette besides the Blue Jays and Red Sox include the Tigers, Yankees and Giants. The Braves also need a shortstop, but might not view Bichette's defensive skillset at the position an answer to their problems.