The Red Sox watched Alex Bregman sign with the Cubs on Saturday night. So, what’s next?
Bregman reportedly shocked the baseball world by signing a five-year, $175 million contract with Chicago. The contract includes a full no-trade clause and a zero-exit clause.
advertise
Shortly after news of Bregman’s signing broke, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale offered insight into how the Red Sox could replace the star third baseman.
‘The Boston Red Sox will now turn their sights to Bo Bichette,’ Nightengale write on X.
This report is not surprising. Bichette has been linked to Boston since the start of the offseason and is arguably the best hitter on the free agent market, although you’d probably go with outfielder Kyle Tucker.
Bichette is reportedly seeking a $300 million deal, so there’s reason to wonder if the Red Sox will pay that price. There’s also reason to wonder how he’ll fit into Boston’s infield lineup.
advertise
Trevor Story is locked in at shortstop or second base, with Wilson Contreras and/or Triston Casas manning first base. Marcelo Mayer may not be ready to be a regular player just yet, but he appears to be entering spring training taking advantage of every opportunity to earn a starting job at third, short or second.
If he does, there’ll be a spot up for grabs, but what if it’s second or third, a position Bichette hasn’t played in the majors?
What if Christian Campbell shows up during spring training and re-enters the conversation at second base? While unlikely, we’re just a year away from him becoming a top-five prospect in baseball.
Ultimately, if the Red Sox sign a guy like Bichette, these things will work themselves out. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
advertise
In seven seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, Bichette hit .294 with 111 homers and an .806 OPS while making two All-Star teams. The 27-year-old has played exclusively at shortstop since his 2019 debut.
More baseball:
Red Sox reportedly sign 6-foot-8 veteran hard-pitch pitcher with over 100 mph speed from Japanese League