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The Boston Red Sox may just get the chance to swipe a crucial free agent from their AL East rival Toronto Blue Jays.
Bo Bichette is still available, and his latest contract projection from ESPN expects him to get a contract totaling $150 million. If Boston wants to pay that, there's a chance to usurp Toronto on this one.
The Athletic's Jim Bowden wrote a new article on Wednesday in which he examines the best free agent matches for each of the top players still available. For Bichette, he lists the Blue Jays as the second-best match. But his best match, according to Bowden? Boston.
"Bichette is only 27 and can play second base, shortstop or third base," Bowden writes. "He’s led the AL in hits twice already and is a really focused, hard-working player who would become an instant fan favorite in Boston. Fenway Park’s unusual dimensions — with the Green Monster in left and the short porch in right — would benefit Bichette, who uses the whole field well. The Red Sox could make him their everyday third or second baseman."
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Bichette would be a solid replacement at third base if Alex Bregman leaves (and Bowden doesn't list Boston as Bregman's best fit).
Bowden does acknowledge that he expects the Blue Jays to pony up the money for Bichette if they can't land Kyle Tucker, who will be the most expensive free agent of the offseason.
The third best fit Bowden includes is the San Francisco Giants.
Bichette's bat will play anywhere. The fact that he has to move off of shortstop isn't a particularly big deal, because he's that good of a hitter.
The Red Sox have prioritized pitching this offseason, but there's likely still a big bat signing to come. Maybe it'll be Bo.
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